Ruthy Helen Johnson

Ruthy Helen Johnson, age 79, of Blue Earth, MN passed away on July 2, 2020, at United Hospital District in Blue Earth, surrounded by family. 

A small visitation celebration of Ruthy’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 from 10am – 12pm at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth. Condolences or memories in honor of Ruthy can be left at Patton Funeral Home or in an online guestbook at www.pattonfh.com. A private family memorial service will be held with Rev. Jeanette Bidne officiating.

Art and Esther Nordberg welcomed Ruthy on October 27, 1940, in Starbuck, MN. She was one of five children, whose family moved to New London, MN when she was seven years old. Ruthy attended elementary and high school in New London, graduating in 1958. She moved to Minneapolis, working for Gold Bond Company, and later at General Electric for about 7 years. Ruthy married Gerald (Jerry) Johnson on April 9, 1960, in New London, MN, and they lovingly celebrated their 60th anniversary this past April. They lived in Bloomington, MN with their young family until 1967, when they moved to Blue Earth. Ruthy and Jerry raised their Christian family through Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, MN. Ruthy enjoyed being home with her children, eventually adding a daycare to her welcoming home. In 1974, Ruthy began working as Secretary to the Superintendent at Blue Earth Area Schools, where she worked until retiring in 2003. 

Her greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with Jerry, their five kids and spouses, and their thirteen grandchildren (plus two spouses). Ruthy and Jerry loved to travel together and took several cross country trips after retirement, with their camper in tow. In addition, the entire Johnson clan spent many enjoyable weekends camping together over the years. Ruthy absolutely loved all Nordberg and Johnson family gatherings, and cherished her loving relationships with her sisters and brothers, brother-in-law, and their families.  Ruthy also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, baking (her homemade bread, lefse, and donut holes were family favorites, as well as her potato salad and baked beans), morning walks, music, singing with family (favorite songs included Be Present at Our Table, Lord; Johnny Appleseed; and her famous rendition of Happy Birthday, sung with Jerry), and her frequent gatherings with the Wino Club (Jacqui, Ann, Alice, Liz, Terri, Pat, and Jan). Ruthy also enjoyed her “fru fru” coffee every chance she got!

Ruthy immensely enjoyed her involvement at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a long-time member of the Senior Choir, briefly served on the Church Council and smaller committees, prepared numerous soup suppers during Lent, was a willing volunteer for youth related activities, and volunteered countless hours at the Trinity Fair Stand and helping the church staff with miscellaneous tasks.

Forever cherishing the wonderful memories of Ruthy are her husband, Jerry Johnson of Blue Earth, MN; son, Greg (Naomi Kiehm) Johnson of New London, MN, and their children, Anna Johnson, Renee (David) Richards, and Sarah Johnson; daughter, Deb (Dave) Olson of Blue Earth, MN, and their children, Jacob (Sam Lamers) Olson and Bethany Olson; son, Chuck (Kristi Lahti) Johnson of Minneapolis, and their children, Emma and Owen Johnson; son, Neil (Brenda Solarz) Johnson of Rogers, MN, and their children, Sami and Maddie Johnson; and daughter, Bekki (Stacy) Howard of Blue Earth, MN, and their children, Reegan, Will, Arika, and Britt Howard; sister, Randi Olson of Anoka, MN; brothers Curt (LuJean) Nordberg of Anoka, MN, and Terry (Nancy) Nordberg of Brooklyn Park, MN; Jerry's brother, Dwight (Carol) Johnson of Glenwood, MN, and many Nordberg and Johnson nieces and nephews. Ruthy is preceded in death by parents, Art and Esther Nordberg; sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Virg Chesness; and Jerry's parents, Roy and Marie Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church Senior Choir, Lefse Making Group or Youth Group.