Irma R Johnston

December 6, 1921 - April 22, 2012

Irma Ruth Johnston a "Sumner Girl" was born December 6, 1921 in Sumner, Washington. She was a lifelong resident of Sumner, graduating from Sumner High School in 1939. She and her friend Dorothy played the drums in the high school band! Her senior class motto was: "If the elevator to success is not working; take the stairs" - she utilized that philosophy throughout her life and it served her well. She attended Pacific Lutheran College where she obtained a teaching certificate. Her first teaching job was in Centralia and the next year she was offered a contract in Sumner. The war was on, her father passed away and Ruth went from teaching to working at the family insurance company where she worked from 1945 to 1970. She then worked at the Pierce County Auditors and the Marriage License Bureau. In 1978 Jim V. Johnston made a visit to the Marriage License Bureau and came home with a bride. Ruth Carnahan became Ruth Johnston in December 1978. She was married to James V. Johnston for 24 years, until his demise in 2002.

Ruth was involved in many community service organizations, Altrusa, Order of Eastern Star and she was a member of the Presbyterian church for 77 years. She was a Daffodil Princess, a master gardener, family historian, business woman, teacher, dog lover and a musician but the best thing is that she was our friend. She was dearly loved and will be missed.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Irma Houghmaster Carnahan, her husband James V Johnston, brother George M Carnahan. She is survived by step son, Philip Johnston (Susan)of Sumner, Niece Patricia Magnuson (Richard)of Scappose, Oregon , Nephew Michael Carnahan (Lorraine) of Sumner.

Ruth will be honored with a private family services. Online sentiments may be journaled at www.powersfuneralhomesumner.com