Ruth Lenora Johnson

Ruth Lenora (Sam) Johnson, 82, passed away November 6, 2021, at her home with her family in Greeley. She was born to Joe and Ruth Lock in Vilas, Colorado, on June 29, 1939. The last of five children, she learned much of the strength and resilience that would carry her through her life as she farmed alongside her family on the original homestead through the end of the great depression and dust bowl.

Upon graduating from Vilas High school as Salutatorian in 1957, she was rewarded a scholarship to Lamar Community College where she studied Bookkeeping & Accounting. She would use these skills throughout her life in work, at home, and with the church.

After marrying Bill Johnson in 1970, our parents moved with their children onto the family farm west of Eaton. Over the next 20 years, she and dad raised 6 children and 2 foster daughters, farmed many acres and she drove hours of truck harvesting and delivering livestock. Using her education, she also worked as a bookkeeper for a few local businesses around Weld County.

Never one to sit down, she also owned and operated her own sewing business, Sam’s Stitch and Sew out of her home. She continued as a seamstress working for NuWay Cleaners through her retirement.

She loved gardening, her daily devotionals and cross-word puzzles, and spending time with her kids and grandkids around the kitchen and patio tables.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Bill and daughter Sonya, as well as her parents and 2 brothers Ed and Sonny. She is survived by sister Donna Self of Springfield, CO and Marjorie Hutchiss of Vilas, CO. Children Linda (John) Yeargan of Wheatland, WY, Steve (Marita) Johnson of Eaton, Stephanie (Rob) Seela of Evans, Bill (Kelli) Johnson of Greeley, and Misti Johnson of Greeley, son-in-law James Casey III, 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Services for Ruth will be held at the Allnutt Funeral Service, Macy Chapel, on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 2:00pm. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eaton FFA c/o Heidi Lanning.

To share memories and condolences please visit Allnuttgreeley.com.