Karen Ruble Johnson

Karen Ruble Johnson, age 72, died on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at her home in The Hills, Texas. Born on April 6, 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas, Karen was the only child of Robert and Wilda Ruble. Karen spent her childhood in Ft. Worth and graduated from Eastern Hills High School. Karen then attended the University of Texas at Austin graduating in 1966. Karen began her illustrious career in the law as a student at St. Mary's School of Law, where she met a fellow law student, James M. Johnson, who became her husband of 46 years. She received her JD in May of 1970 and married James in August of that year.

Karen spent over 40 years serving in many different capacities: as a lawyer, a public servant, an executive, a board member, a mentor and a role model. In all things she was a leader and never shied away from blazing new trails. As such, Karen was elected the first woman President of the Travis County Bar Association and was then elected to the State Bar Board of Directors and served on the Executive Committee. She then became the first woman to be chosen Executive Director of the State Bar of Texas. She was special assistant in the Texas Governor's office and was Assistant Comptroller for Bob Bullock holding numerous leadership positions in the State Comptroller's office. Among her many other accomplishments, Karen served as the President of Entergy Texas, the Executive Director/CEO of the United Way of Texas and the CEO of Power Across Texas. Additionally, Karen served as a board member/advisory board member for numerous civic and professional organizations including: the Electric Power Research Institute, Power Across Texas, Texas State History Museum Foundation, Care International and Global Impact.

Throughout her career, Karen received countless awards and accolades recognizing her leadership and pursuit of excellence including: the Distinguished Law Graduate Award (1993) from St. Mary's University, Volunteer Extraordinaire (2008) from the Austin Junior League, Austin Business Journal 2006 Profiles in Power, Outstanding Woman of the Year from Executive Women in State Government, and The Austin Bar Association's Distinguished Lawyer Award to name a few.

While Karen derived much satisfaction from her professional life, it was her personal life that she cherished. Her most treasured roles were that of mother to her son, Hunter, wife to her husband, James, and friend to her countless loved ones. Karen was the source of guidance, strength and wisdom to her son and many of his close friends. Her smile, sense of humor and quick wit will be long remembered by those that love her. It is also commonly known amongst Karen's loved ones that she was never late. Karen's love of life was also evident from her many talents and hobbies. Karen was a gourmet cook, having taken numerous lessons all over the world, was an exceptional artist, an avid art collector and loved to travel with her family and friends.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her beloved husband, James M. Johnson, her treasured son, James Hunter Johnson and his special friend Megan P. Lindberg, and her many friends and loved ones.

Services will be held on Monday, June 13, 2016 at St. David's Episcopal Church at 1:00 p.m. with a reception following at The Austin Club. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made on Karen's behalf to the ALS Association.