Ruth D. Johnson
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 6pm at the Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point in Bellingham.
Ruth Diane Johnson was born on April 18th, 1945 in Clarinda, Iowa. After spending her formative years in the Midwest, she moved to Whatcom County in the early 1970s, living in Birch Bay, Ferndale, and, since 2000, Bellingham. Ruth worked as a librarian for the Whatcom County Library for more than 30 years before she retired in 2011.
Ruth was always a fan of music, dancing, and singing and was actively involved in the local music communities. She played trombone with the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra, sang with the Kulshan Chorus and was taking jazz singing lessons.
Ruth is survived by her two sons - Bryce Sasaki, with spouse Sachiko in Tokyo, Japan, and Malcolm Whitaker in San Francisco. Her grandchildren are Kai and Karina Sasaki. Her faithful pet cat is Jodie.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 6pm at the Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point in Bellingham.
Donations in her memory can be made to Whatcom Hospice.
Memories
From Kathy Burks Hunter
Ruth lived across the street from me when born and growing up here in Clarinda, IA. I thank her brother, Ron, for informing me of her death. I send my sympathy to her family - - I can tell that there are many in Bellingham that will miss her talents.
From JEANNE JOHNSON…
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RUTH. PART OF THE RICH HERITAGE OF THE GEORGE JOHNSON FAMILY. HER FATHER WAS A BROTHER TO MY FATHER, VERNON. SYMPATHY AND BLESSINGS TO HER FAMILY. THANK YOU, RON, FOR LETTING, ME KNOW..
From George Beard
Ruth was married to my brother, Dennis, from September 23, 1967 to August 1, 1974. In September 1968 we moved to Blaine, Washington and saw Dennis and Ruth frequently. I always enjoyed visiting with Ruth, until we moved to western Oregon in early 1973. My brother died in September 2011 in Dallas, Texas. He had become a recluse and had not communicated with anyone since early 2002. Ruth was very helpful in putting together some of the pieces of my brother's life so I could begin to settle his estate.
From Joy Straley
Ruth was my cousin and two years older than me so we played a lot as children. Our dads were brothers and we lived the closest of any of the Johnson cousins. I now live in Colorado, we are scattered in area but not in heart. What a gifted lady, I know she will be missed. I'm sending prayers and sympathy for the boys and their families.
From Arnold Johnson
Many years have passed since I saw Ruth, the most time I spent with her was 1968, I went to Eldorado Mo. to see my uncle Eldon and Aunt Luceal, (I butchered that spelling). Ruth was pregnant with her first child. I never got to see that baby. Ruth was a special girl. she was very sweet. I drove her to my house in NW Mo. so she could see her uncle Johnny and aunt Grace.
My how time as slipped away.
My thoughts are with you.
From Janice Hartwell
Ruth was such a sweet person. She loved people and music. I met her in the NWSC many years ago. We attended lots of social events and dances. I miss her.
From Karen Goens
I enjoyed music with Ruth, first in Kulshan Chorus and later in the Allegra Women's Choir. And we were brave beginning singers together tackling solos and tricky jazz. I loved Ruth's courage, tenacity, and smile.
From Eileen D. Adair
In 1980 I worked @ WHATCOM COUNTY LIBRARY & met Ruth. She helped to train me. I always enjoyed working with her, she always had some "fun" story to tell. Blessings & peace to her family.
From Beth Marsau
I really miss my friend Ruth and the fun times we had. Ruth was my neighbor in Ferndale and I had met her at the Ferndale Library when she worked there years ago. Later she moved to Bellingham and her job was at Central Services of the Whatcom County Library Services, but we kept in touch and would enjoy attending concerts together and yakking on the phone. And I used to watch her sing in Kulshan Chorus. I remember one night we went to see Jim Brickman at Mt Baker Theater and afterwards went dancing in Blaine. Another time she treated me to South Pacific musical at Mt Baker theater. About a year ago she told me that she had a new boyfriend so we didn't see each other after that, but occasionally I would call her and the last time we talked was last fall when she told me about the cancer. She managed to send me a Christmas card and message, but I never saw her again and I somehow missed the obituary notice in time to attend her service.
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