Ruth Eva Johnson

Ruth Eva Johnson

Ruth Eva Johnson, 90, of Des Moines, formerly of Fort Dodge, died Wednesday August 8, 2012 at the Fountain West Care Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the Bruce-Graham Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Armstrong officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Inurnment of Ruth Eva and her husband of 66 years, Daniel Johnson, will be held prior to the service at 10 a.m. at the North Lawn Cemetery. Daniel passed away February 7 of this year.

Ruth Eva Tomlinson, daughter of Ruth and Thomas Tomlinson, was born December 17, 1921 on her mothers 25th birthday in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ruth Eva attended Fort Dodge public schools, graduating in 1939. She attended Ft. Dodge Junior College and Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, graduating with an associates teaching degree. She taught 5th and 6th grade in Dakota City and Lohrville, Iowa. On December 9, 1945 Ruth Eva married Dan Johnson in Epworth Methodist Church in Fort Dodge. While raising her family, she worked as a church organist in Fort Dodge, also playing organ and piano for many weddings, funerals and other functions. She also gave organ lessons at Jones Piano House, and in her home, for many years. Her students were all ages, the very young through adult. When Dan retired, they moved to Spirit Lake in 1979, returning to Fort Dodge in 1999 and subsequently moving to Des Moines in 2008. Ruth lived at the Rose of Des Moines Assisted Living until five weeks before her death.

Ruth Eva is survived by son Curtis (Elizabeth) Johnson of Fort Dodge; daughter Joy Christine (Douglas) Musser of Des Moines; five granddaughters: Amy (Aaron) Champagne of Fort Dodge; Joy Johnson of Des Moines; Carrie (Jeff) Dieken of Cedar Falls; Katie (Chris) Snowbarger of Des Moines; and Emily M. Johnson of St. Louis, MO. Ruth Eva is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Grace and Ella Champagne; Johnna and Mattie Dieken; Jack and Amelia Snowbarger.

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband Dan, her parents, three sisters and two brothers.

Ruth Eva thoroughly enjoyed music of all types and shared her keyboard and vocalist talents generously. A good cook, she was quick to share baked goods with friends and family. Crossword and jigsaw puzzles were a favorite pastime, as well as a passion for writing letters with long-distance loved ones. All family members, from her family of origin to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were the delight of her life. Ruth Eva was also devoted to serving her Lord and His church, and was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Fort Dodge Area Funeral & Cremation Service, Bruce Funeral Home