Ruth Johnson

Ruth Ellen Johnson, devoted wife, mother, sister, grandma, great-grandma, employer, neighbor, friend. Passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2014 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.Ruth was admired and adored by her family, friends and everyone with whom she came in contact. Her beauty, grace, passion for life, sophisticated elegance, and attention to detail radiated in everything she did. Her 55-year marriage to her beloved sweetheart Jack was the perfect love story as a continuous example of true friendship, devotion, mutual respect and teamwork. Seldom did you ever find them apart, whether it was in Las Vegas, enjoying a country music concert, traveling to visit friends and associates, or showing their legendary unconditional love and support for her children and grand children as she seldom missed a football, basketball or hockey game, dance concert or golf tournament. The friends of Ruth's children and grand children also loved and admired her as a second mother/ grandmother, and cannot remember an event when they didn't see Ruth and Jack cheering them on from the bleachers, seats or sideline.Ruth's values of honesty, integrity, hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence in everything she did will be forever remembered by every family member, every employee and every friend, young and old.Ruth was born to the late John Oliver and Gracyie Bell Calhoun on January 20th, 1937 in Inglewood, CA. Ruth graduated from Gardena High School in 1955. She married her sweetheart, Jack B. Johnson, on May 24th, 1958 and lived in California before relocating to Salt Lake City, UT in 1973.Ruth and Jack founded A-Core Inc. in 1974 and built it into one of the most respected and admired concrete cutting companies in the country. Through A-Core and personal endeavors, Ruth supported various charities and was a driving force in the community for over 40 years.Before A-Core, Ruth was a focused young entrepreneur, buying her first business, a dance studio, at the age of 18. To no surprise, she grew it into a successful dance troupe, which boasted a membership of over 300 dance students. She was revered and admired as one of the best dance teachers and most elegant lyrical, jazz and ballet dancers in the Los Angeles area. Ruth even danced with Gene Kelly!Ruth had vast interests varying from dancing and skiing to reading and knitting, as well as frequenting Starbucks with her family and friends. She was a gifted seamstress and fashioned numerous beautiful articles of clothing for her children and grandchildren. Ruth's door was always open. As a gracious hostess she took pleasure in entertaining friends at small gatherings as well as organizing lavish functions with several hundred guests.Ruth will be greatly missed and remembered by those surviving her, including her husband Jack B. Johnson; their three children: Robert Johnson (Pamela), Malissa Ryberg (Richard), and Valerie Fader (Kevin); grandchildren: Jacob, Ashley and Jordan Rodgers, Jonathan Cattani, Jacklyn Barnett (Trade), Gracie and Garret Fader; great-grandchild: Aiden Barnett; Ruth's brother James Calhoun (Shauna) and numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving is her beloved Shitzu, Snickers.Memorial services will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary located at 3401 S. Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84106. A visitation will be held Friday, January 24, 2014 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary located at 3401 S. Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Preceding memorial services from 10:00 -10:45 a.m. we welcome those that would like to visit with the family. Entombment will immediately follow memorial services. Ruth's family extends a warm thank you to all who contributed to her excellent care at The Huntsman Cancer Institute, CNS Hospice (Jennifer) and Danville Nursing (Paki and Lupe). In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to TheAmerican Cancer Society 941 East 3300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84106, c/o Pam Higginson, in honor of Ruth Ellen Johnson. (801)540-3594. All proceeds will go to the House of Hope. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=ruth-ellen-johnson&pid=169162395&fhid=11609#sthash.ZecAre7N.dpuf Arrangements under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, Salt Lake City, UT.