Ruth was born March 6, 1923 to John and Fay Lester in Mesa, Arizona. She was raised in Phoenix and attended Kenilworth Elementary and Phoenix Union High School (class of 1941). In June of ’41 she married R. Murray Johnston in First Presbyterian Church of Phoenix. After World War 2 began, they went to San Diego where Murray started Navy basic training. Ruth remained in San Diego until Murray was sent to Pearl Harbor where he served until the end of the war.
When her sons were young, she volunteered with PTA, Cub Scouts, and was taxi for Little League games. Later she was employed with Good Samaritan Hospital from 1963-1973. Family life was important to Ruth, and she enjoyed extended family get-togethers and sending cards to honor birthdays, holidays, and other events throughout her life.
Ruth was a dedicated follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. As His disciple, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and servant. The secret to her life of love and service was that she awoke before daylight each day to meet with her Lord. Reading scripture, devotional readings, and prayer anchored her life. Ruth’s service in the church was continual, at times teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, singing with the “Presbytrio”, participating with various women’s organizations, and, with couples’ groups along with her husband. After her husband Murray died in 1973, she was hired by the church to be the membership secretary. She was also ordained a Deacon, a role she loved as she energetically and faithfully served. After 80 years of membership at First Presbyterian Church, she joined Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, where she has been a member the last five years.
After retiring from the church position, Ruth devoted time to organizations such as Interfaith Cooperative Ministries, the Phoenix Museum of History, and manning the Johnston booth at the Caledonian Society’s annual Highland Games. She also served as an election poll worker for decades. She was a member of the First Families of Arizona, qualifying because her parents married in Bisbee in 1910. Ruth’s other interests included a love for animals, family genealogy, gardening, piano playing, keeping a steady diary, and reading. (With the aid of her talking books and her big screen magnifier, even when her eyesight failed her, she continued to enjoy “reading” and writing).
Ruth is survived by her two sons: Robert (Nora), William (Linda); five grandchildren: Tomi Johnston (Kevin Venisnik), Bobi Johnston (Loomis), Murray Johnston (Lesley), Ryan Johnston (Sonya), and Jen Brumley (Joe); and four great grandchildren: Haley Michael (Dylan), Rhys Michael, Alex Brumley, and Zachary Brumley.
A celebration of life / memorial service will be held on October 22,2022 at 11 AM at the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church located at 34605 N Tom Darlington Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85266.
Flowers or donations to the Arizona Talking Book Library, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Deacon’s’ Fund or Hospice of the Valley.
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