Evelyn Ruth Johnson

Born in St. Louis, Oklahoma, on December 17, 1933 to Frederick Francis and Alma Martin Cavel, Ruth was the only daughter in a family of five children. She grew up and went to school in Stonewall, Oklahoma and Edna, Texas. Following her graduation from Edna High School, Ruth worked for a bank in Edna, kept the books for two small businesses and helped out in the Sheriff’s Department.

Ruth was very musical and began taking piano lessons at a young age. She later took organ lessons and shared her considerable talent for both instruments as a church pianist and organist, and piano teacher for many years. She was active in adult choirs and children’s music programs in the many churches she attended throughout her life.

In 1953 Ruth met Max Johnson, the love of her life, while he was an engineering trainee under her dad. They married in April 1954 and relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana. Subsequent moves took them to Alexandria, Louisiana, Amarillo and Dallas, Texas, Stamford, Connecticut and, finally, to Houston in 1977. Ruth’s self-confidence, industrious nature and generous spirit served her well in adjusting to each of those moves as she raised their two daughters and made a home for her family.

Christian faith was the bedrock of Ruth’s and Max’s life together and they were involved and active members of the Baptist churches they attended, making life-long friendships along the way. In 1984 they purchased an insurance agency and worked in the business together for the next 25 years. Ruth and Max truly lived, worked and played together -- and they were a formidable team. This was especially true for their chosen sport of tennis which they began playing early in their relationship. A capable competitor, Ruth participated in the Senior Olympics for many years, bringing home numerous medals for her efforts.

Ruth is survived by Max, her husband of 71 years, daughter Vickie and husband Russell, and daughter Valerie and husband Chris; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother Kale Cavel and wife Pauline, brother-in-law Charles Johnson and wife Christine, brother-in-law Bill Finch and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Francis and Alma Martin Cavel, brothers Eddie Joe Cavel, Frederick Francis Jr. and William Wade Cavel, and sister-in-law Katherine Cavel, as well as brothers-in-law Edgar Ennis (Pete) Johnson and Rodney Wayne Johnson, and sisters-in law Betty Johnson, Charlotte Finch and Faye Robertson.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to caregivers, Bola Bamigboye and Jemima Irabor-Ighedosa, for the care and support they provided Ruth and Max in the year prior to her passing.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, please consider making a donation to Tallowood Baptist Church or to Texas Lone Star Chapter of Korean War Veterans.