Ruth Evelyn Johannsen was born on a farm south of Alcester, SD on January 20 th , 1923 to parents William H. and Josephine (Barry) Johannsen. She passed away on December 29, 2015 at the age of 92 years, 11 months and 9 days. She would have celebrated her 93 rd birthday on Jan 20, 2016.

Ruth was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church. She was later baptized at Big Springs Baptist Church where she was an active member in women's ministry.

She attended grade school in rural Union County at Ludwig Grade School and graduated from Alcester High School in 1941. She then worked at the State Bank of Alcester. Ruth married Lowell W Johnson on March 22 1946 and they lived on a farm east of Big Springs Church for their entire married life until she entered Morning Side Manor in Alcester, SD in 2010 where she resided until her death.

Ruth enjoyed tending her flowers, reading, sewing, crocheting and embroidery. Her life centered on her family. She was a full time mother, a decision she never regretted. Later, as the grandchildren came along, she became even more enthralled with the new generation. She was lovingly known as 'Grandma Great', 'Granny', and 'Grandma Johnson'. Ruth enjoyed her role as a farm wife. She drove tractors and delivered many a hot meal directly to the fields. As she grew older, she enjoyed watching her grandson's cows in the pasture across the road.

She will be missed by her children Douglas Johnson, Rozann (Steve) Kiewel, Lance (Betsy Ann) Johnson and Debra ( Glen) Lawrenson.; her Grandchildren Thad (Reese) Kiewel, Kari (Troy) Hemmelrick, Traci (Chris) Schurdevin, Nolan (Elisha Mackling) Johnson, Darin ( Tiffany) Johnson, Tina ( Mike) Kastler and Amy (Lyle Vogel) Lawrenson; her Great Grandchildren Mersadie Kiewel, Madison Hemmelrick Levi Hemmelrick, Lane Hemmelrick, Renae Silvera, Victoria Silvera, Maverick Schurdevin, Briah Schurdevin, Haywood Johnson, Gwendolyn Johnson, Madoc Johnson, Faith Johnson, Macie Johnson and Isaac Kastler; her great great Grandchildren Jace Johnson and Addison Johnson; her step-grandchildren John Holzman, Larry (Lori) Holzman, and Carla Noram.

May she rest in peace.

Memorials will be directed to the Elevator Repair fund at Big Springs Baptist Church.