Ruth Faye Johnson

Ruth Faye (Belcher) Johnson arrived in this world on June27, 1934. She made a lasting mark through her hard work, smarts, and never-say-die-attitude. She passed on November 22, 2021 after a 6 year, hard-fought battle with cancer and heart failure. She is survived by James H. Johnson, her husband, partner, and soul mate for 68 years. She is also survived by her children and their spouses Victor and Andrea Johnson, Zana and Mike Cook, Zeta Powell, and daughter-in-law Debra Johnson, and was preceded in death by her son Vance Johnson and son-in-law Paul Powell. Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents Herschel and Leola Belcher, and 8 of her 9 siblings. She is survived by her sister Mary Strong.

Ruth spent her life with the gas pedal pushed to the floor, working to build the family farm, raise her children to be as strong, independent and capable as she was, supporting and encouraging her grandchildren, and loving her 9 great-grandchildren.

Ruth’s pie baking, embroidery and quilting skills were meticulous and measured, while her tell-it-like-it-is approach to the truth was no-holds barred. Those who truly knew her loved her for both.

Ruth’s formal education ended after High School graduation but she read ravenously, and was known for her practical wisdom, preaching the value of continuous learning and using a great attitude as a lever to get things done. “A place is what you make it” was one of her favorite mantras. Her direction to each of her kids was, “Find the smartest partner who will have you and marry them!” Her advice has paid off for all her children.

Ruth was a star basketball player on Earlsboro High School’s first and still only women’s state tournament qualifying team in 1951. She loved basketball her entire life and wore OKC Thunder apparel every chance she could.

James was a 20 year U.S. Air Force veteran, and he and Ruth traveled the world. Ruth never failed to grow a garden, make friends, and turn any house into a cozy and comfortable home. It was all practice for when James retired and they molded their dreams into the reality of a family, a farm, and unending chores (fun).

Ruth was passionate about working hard, providing a good example for others. She was able to push herself to continue working when the day was too late, too dark, too cold, too hot or the deck seemed too stacked. She would say, “You never know what you can accomplish until you give it all you’ve got.”

Ruth passionately pursued her life and passionately loved those around her. She will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Promedica Foundation, Johnson Cemetery Fund or Mars Hill Cemetery Fund.