Rue Arlene Johnson

Rue Arlene Kothmann Johnson, went to be with the Lord on April 28, 2020. Rue was born December 13, 1935 in Llano, Texas, to Roy Wesley Kothmann and Ruby Leifeste Kothmann. She is survived by her three children: Debra Deetjen, Derrick and Dean Johnson, their spouses, Dr. Jack Deetjen, Lola Johnson and Sharon Johnson, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Rue was born in the home of a local doctor in Llano, TX and grew up on her family’s cattle ranch with her parents and brother (Royston Kothmann). She attended first grade in a one-room schoolhouse between Llano and Castell, TX and later attended the Llano Public Schools. Rue participated in many school activities and was a High School Majorette, Homecoming Queen, All District basketball player and FFA Sweetheart.

After high school, Rue attended Southwest Texas State University where she met her future husband, Howard S. Johnson (Smitty). She had always told her mother she was going to marry a “City Boy” and on July 24, 1954 she did just that. Rue and Smitty lived in Austin and were married 63 years.

Rue loved life and treasured every moment of it. She enjoyed travel, cooking, entertaining, and fishing with her husband, but most of all, she enjoyed being with her immediate family and her extended family at Hillcrest Baptist Church. She was always thinking of others and was dedicated to helping those in need. Rue was a genuinely kind and selfless person.

In closing, the family would like to thank those that provided medical support and prayer that allowed us to have and enjoy our mother an additional 42 years. If mom could say one last thing, it would be that “prayer does work”.

“Due to the social distancing requirements and risk associated with COVID-19, the family has opted for a private gravesite burial, which will be followed by Celebration of Life (Memorial) at a later day.” Feel free to contact a family member with any questions.