Ruth Smith Johnston

Ruth Smith Johnston- beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend to many and faithful servant of God- passed away on October 25, 2022, at the age of 92 in West Chester, Ohio. Ruth was born in Philadelphia, PA to Lloyd and Ruth Christine Smith. She resided in several cities before settling in Upper Arlington, Ohio; where she met the love of her life, J. Derland Johnston. Ruth and Der resided in San Juan, PR and Pinellas Park, FL until his death; when she moved to West Chester, OH to be close to family. Ruth loved music was an accomplished musician who played the piano and organ all her life. She served as Director of Music for many congregations, including Allendale UMC in St. Petersburg; Advent Lutheran Church in Upper Arlington; and Forest Chapel UMC in Cincinnati. Ruth never met a stranger, and both loved and was loved by family and her many friends. She was devoutly Christian and served her Lord above all else. She had a compassionate soul, sharp mind, quick wit and a joyous laugh, all of which were displayed every day of her long life. Ruth is survived by daughters Faith Levine and Deborah Wallace; grand-daughters Lisa Sires and Kristin Smith; and great-grandson Caden Sires; as well as her countless friends. A Celebration of her Life will be held at 4pm on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Forest Chapel United Methodist Church, 680 W. Sharon Road, Cincinnati, OH 45240. Her ashes will be laid to rest next to her husband in Florida. The family requests that donations to her Church be made in lieu of flowers. “Those whom we have loved never really leave us. They live on forever in our hearts and cast their radiant light onto our every shadow”