Ruth Johnson

Ruth E. Johnson

Sadly, we announce the passing of Ruth Elaine Johnson, 87, of Albuquerque, NM on November 27, 2023. Born Ruth Elaine Rohrer she was raised in Junction City Kansas, the 6th and youngest child of Harold and Helen Rohrer.

By all reports she had a pretty idyllic and rambunctious childhood, growing up on a farm with 4 older brothers and one older sister. At the age of 9, alone, she suffered cuts and bruises resulting in 21 stitches from falling off her Shetland pony and 2 weeks later fell out of a haymow, incurring more scalp injuries! She was active in 4-H and won many blue ribbons for sewing and was a judge at the age of 14. She taught both of her daughters sewing and needle work skills when they were young.

She attended Kansas State University where she met her future husband, Ralph Johnson; they married in 1958. She received her degree in Elementary Education but was unable to start teaching because she was pregnant with her first child.

Ralph had a military obligation with the Air Force and was stationed at what was then called the Air Force Weapons Lab at Kirtland AFB. They relocated to Albuquerque in 1963 with 3 young children in tow. They quickly established themselves with local Catholic churches and were one of the founding couples of the Marriage Enrichment program and she was active on the board for 43 years and, with Ralph, wrote books and guides on the ministry.

Ruth was a stay-at-home mom who was active in her children's activities shuttling them to scouting, church activities and music and dance lessons. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed trying new dishes and perusing recipes in cookbooks and magazines. She enjoyed entertaining and her family has fond memories of Thanksgivings and Christmases at their home.

Ruth came from a long line of storytellers, and she was gracious, witty and astute. Ruth's granddaughter Tiffany summed her up pretty well: "Heaven gained the most perfect, beautiful soul of an angel today. My grandma was a miracle of a woman who I admired dearly. She was witty, funny, strong willed, firm but kind. She will be forever loved and missed."

Ruth is preceded in death by her son Tom, daughter-in-law Tina, sister Monica and brothers Richard, David and Philip. She is survived by her husband of over 65 years Ralph, daughters Barbara Johnson of Albuquerque, Janet Hecht and husband Alan of Lawrenceville GA and son Greg Johnson of San Antonio, TX. Also surviving her are grandson Tom Johnson, wife Renee and their children Cameron and Delaney of Larkspur CO., her granddaughter Tiffany Stewart and her husband Jacob and their sons Jude and Theodore of Brighton, CO and her brother Hugh Rohrer and wife Barbara of Naples FL. She is also mourned by other family and a multitude of friends.

Ruth's send-off will be on December 12th at John the 23rd with a visitation at 9:30 followed by mass at 10am. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask that you make a contribution to a charity of your choice.