Obit: Johnson, Ruth G. (1928 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Beers, Dalbec, Gutshall, Johnson, Messerman, Noerr, Votta

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 10/13/2016

Johnson, Ruth G. (Gutshall) (7 MAR 1928 - 12 OCT 2016)

Ruth G. Johnson, age 88, of Sheldon, died on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.

She was born on March 7, 1928 in Lewistown, PA, to Nevin and Estella Gutshall. After growing up in Pennsylvania and graduating from high school in 1946, she became an operator for the local telephone company. Ruth then enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a W.A.V.E. from 1951 to 1953. She became an air traffic controller stationed at the Pensacola Naval Airbase in Florida where she met her future husband, “Bob” who was also serving in the Navy.

Following her honorable discharge, she and Bob were married on July 25, 1953 and honeymooned in Niagara Falls. After a short time living in Milwaukee, they bought a dairy farm in Jump River in 1955, where she lived the rest of her life. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she was preceded in death by her husband in 2010.

Ruth was a longtime member of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Hannibal. She was always willing to volunteer and help with community functions. She was always a positive influence on those around her, she very much enjoyed time with her family, friends and neighbors. She was an accomplished artist in her free time with free-hand drawings and oil paintings, many of which are family treasures.

Survivors include three sons, Gary (Ruth Ann) Johnson of Neenah, Keith Johnson of Hawkins, and Dale Johnson of Hannibal; a daughter, Debra (Steve) Votta of Aurora, Colo.; five grandchildren, Tara, Emily, Evan, Jack and Ben; four sisters, Elaine (Bob) Beers of Lititz, Pa., Jean Noerr and Miriam Messerman both of Lewistown, Pa. and Janice Dalbec of Aurora, Colo.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, Oct. 15 at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Hannibal, with burial in Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Jump River.

Special thanks to Lois Kasper and the staff at Oakbrook Nursing Home of Thorp.

The Gilman Funeral Home assisted the family.