Ruth Louise Johnson

Celebrating the Life of Ruth Louise Johnson September 1, 1940 - July 15, 2026 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2 Ruth Louise Johnson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026. She leaves behind a profound legacy of quiet service, deep-rooted faith, and an open heart that welcomed everyone she met. A Life of Faith and Partnership Ruth was born on September 1, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Roy and Blanche Peterson. Raised in the warmth of the local community, it was at church that she met the love of her life, Bernie. The two were united in Holy Matrimony on March 19, 1960. Together, they shared 66 beautiful years of marriage, building a home filled with love and laughter in Minnetonka. Faith in Action For Ruth, faith was not a passive Sunday routine; it was a daily calling. As a longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minnetonka, she quietly and powerfully put her belief into motion. In the late 1970s, Ruth spearheaded a refugee sponsorship through Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. With St. Paul's serving as the lead liaison for local churches, Ruth organized housing, gathered donations, and personally welcomed a family fleeing the aftermath of the Vietnam War. To Ruth, "welcoming the stranger" meant driving families to English classes, sharing warm meals, and making sure they had a soft place to land. That same spirit of service defined her years of volunteering with the Interfaith Community Association (ICA). As the coordinator of the ICA's "Help Chest" ministry, operating out of a small building behind St. Paul's, Ruth ensured that emergency food, clothing, and transportation were always available to neighbors in need. She simply couldn't rest easy knowing someone's cupboards were empty. She passed this beautiful spirit of stewardship down to her children, always teaching by quiet example. One particular memory that captures her spirit: she once brought her son, Bart, along to a summer festival and signed them both up to volunteer at the entrance gate, where the price of admission was a donation of food for local shelters. It was, for Bart, a first taste of doing good simply for its own sake-an experience that went on to shape the course of his life. The Warmth of Home and Hearth At home, Ruth was the heart of her family. She was a gifted homemaker after working as secretary to the City Editor of the Minneapolis Star and was a longtime local flower shop owner who brought beauty into the lives of everyone who walked through her door. Her kitchen was a place of constant warmth and joy. Ruth loved to experiment with cookie recipes, whether chocolate chip, peanut butter, or snickerdoodle, her family fondly recalls her playful habit of sneaking a stray raisin into a batch. Her faith also sang through her music. Ruth was a dedicated member of the church choir and served as a backup pianist. More recently, she found great joy singing with Giving Voice, a dementia-friendly choral community, continuing to share her talents to praise the Lord and bring comfort to others. Family Survived by: Her beloved husband of 66 years, Bernie Johnson. Her children, grandchildren, and their families: Gary Johnson and Teri Brigino, and son Dylan; Bart and Susie Johnson, and daughters Zoe and Ella; Greg Johnson and Caroline Nguyen, and children Lexee, Lola, and Hank; Donovan Johnson and Denise Holt; Andrea Lazard and Ben Lazard, and children Aneira and Signe. Her sisters, Mary Holtan (George) and Ann Olson (Tom) and their families. Preceded in death by: Her parents, Roy and Blanche Peterson, and her brother, Charlie Peterson. Services Celebration of Life: Spirit of Peace Church in Minnetonka. Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Visitation: 10:30A. Service at 11A with luncheon to follow. Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (alzfdn.org/donate). "Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23