Ruth Johnson
A Celebration of Life for Ruth Johnson, 78, of Ruston, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, with Rev. Marty Jacobsen officiating the service.
A visitation will begin at 10 a. m. until service time Saturday at Kilpatrick Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in Kilpatrick Memorial Gardens in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home.
Ruth was born May 30, 1944, in Memphis, and died on May 16, 2023, in Ruston. Ruth’s love of her life and best friend was her husband, Barry. They met and married in Memphis, and shortly thereafter moved to Ruston in 1968.
Ruth continued her teaching career in art, first, at Alma J. Brown in Grambling, and later continued her career at A. E. Phillips Lab School in Ruston. Ruth was particularly close to other teachers at A.E. Phillips who met early each morning to pray for their families, their students, and the faculty.
After Ruth’s retirement, she, along with Barry, volunteered as Auxiliary workers at the Northern Louisiana Hospital and Medical Center; Christian Community Action; and the Lincoln Parish Museum. They also thoroughly enjoyed traveling and went on about 100 cruises over the past 40 years, making Ruth the Queen of Cruise Ship Cruising and Barry the King.
Ruth had an eye for antiques. She and Barry went on many “antiquing” searches; thus, they collected many beautiful and interesting pieces they enjoyed in their home. Ruth was a very kind and thoughtful person and possessed a great sense of humor. She loved people of all ages and had a great sensitivity for older friends.
Many good times were enjoyed at the Johnson dinner parties and casual gatherings of fun and fellowship at 4 p.m. on any given afternoon.
Ruth had many talents. With everything she did, she added her artistic flair and creativity. She was known for setting a beautiful table, complete with antiques she & Barry had found, writing and illustrating a one- of- a- kind card, and transforming a wall or door with decorations she had either made or altered into a beautiful piece of work.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Warren Baker and Theresa Adele Donaldson Baker; brother, Joseph Donaldson Baker; and brother-in-law, Edgar Louis Naylor.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Barry Johnson of Ruston; sister, Joanne Baker Naylor of Winchester, Tennessee; 3 nephews, Carl Lewis Naylor; Warren Dean Naylor and wife Misty and their 4 children, Ashlyn, Drew, Erin, and Reagan; James Naylor (Jennifer Vencill); sister- in- law Debbie Baker; and a host of wonderful caring friends.
Pallbearers will be her nephews, James A. Naylor, Carl Naylor, Dean Naylor, and great nephew, Reagan Naylor. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackie Archer, Bobby Conville, Bernie Johnson, Henry Roane, and Robert Temple.
Special thanks to Shakarie Cook, RN, at Alpine Nursing Center who not only cared for Ruth and Barry but prayed with them; and thanks to the entire staff of Alpine for all the love and care you all have provided.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com.
