Ruth Smith Johnson

October 25, 1950 ~ June 2, 2018
Ruth Smith Johnson was born to Don Ellis and Guen “Quince” Lyman Smith on October 25, 1950 in Monticello, UT. She was raised in Blanding along with her siblings Donna, Kim, and Ned.
She graduated from San Juan High School in 1968 and then attended Southern Utah University where she earned her associate’s degree and enjoyed performing with the adagio team.
She married her sweetheart, Norm, on June 9, 1970 in the Mesa, AZ Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they raised six children in Blanding, UT.
Ruth’s claim to fame was her Banana Chocolate Chip Rice Krispy Treats and her favorite quote was, “No brain, no pain. Why do I suffer so?!”
Ruth loved the gospel and always expressed her gratitude for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His atonement. She lived these teachings through “ministering” and always made everyone feel important and loved.
Ruth worked as a secretary for various organizations and was loved by all those who met her. She had many wonderful memories of all the places Norm would take her and the people they met along the way.
Ruth was never happier than when she was at home surrounded by her family.
She served faithfully in countless church callings, including her most recent service in the Monticello, Utah LDS Temple alongside her husband.
Ruth passed away in her home on June 2, 2018 of liver failure. She is survived by her husband, Norman Lyle Johnson; six children Cheyenne (Roger) Low, Don Johnson, Dallas (Melanie) Johnson, Natani (John) Laws, Tamia (Neal) Hurst, Sastia (David) Hensley; 22 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (21 boys, six girls); her siblings; and mother-in-law, Clea Shumway Johnson.
She is preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Cora Naomi Johnson; and father-in-law, Lyle Northern Johnson.
Services were held on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the San Juan Mortuary and the LDS Stake Center in Blanding with interment at the Blanding Cemetery.
Card of thanks
We are humbled by, and grateful for, the many kind acts of service, prayers, and all the sweet memories shared with us during this time.
We want to express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Michael Nielson, San Juan Hospital, Zion’s Way Hospice, San Juan Mortuary, and Blanding Fifth Ward.
We feel blessed to be a part of such a loving, supportive community.
Thank you!