Ruth M. Johnson

Ruth Marie Johnson age 88 of Walnut Grove passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 13, 2012 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.  Interment is in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery north of Walnut Grove.   Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Ruth was born April 19th, 1924 to Charles M. and Anna (Bergblom) Benson on a farm northwest of Walnut Grove. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Ruth graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1942 and Gustavus Adolphus College in 1945, majoring in social work. On June 1st, 1952 Ruth wed Donald B. Johnson at Trinity Lutheran Church and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. After their marriage, she moved to the farm with Donald. They were blessed with six children. She was devoted to her children, gardening, and helping on the farm. She was very active in her church teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, quilting and active in the ladies aid. Her interests also included traveling, especially spending time in Mexico, playing scrabble, and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She was an avid reader, collector of recipes, and loved to cook and bake.

Survivors include her husband Donald B.; sons: Brian (Sue), Bruce, Eric (Judy), Bradley (Laurie); daughter Linnea (Matt) Surprenant; nine grandchildren: Kaylan (Nathan) Pool, Anna, Ben, Alison, Boyd, Nicole, Caitlin Johnson, Rebecca and Megan Surprenant; and half siblings Judy Glass and Charles Benson.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Emma Benson, Lucy (Dale) Bolling, Edith (Charles) Carter, brother-in-law Morris Johnson and son Steven.