In loving memory of

Ruth J. Johnson 07/19/2019
December 23, 1922 - July 19, 2019

Ruth Jean Johnson, 96, of Marshalltown, IA, passed away Friday, July 19, 2019, at Grandview Heights Rehab and Healthcare in Marshalltown. She rejoins her family members, including husband Cecil and son Alan, who have been waiting for her. A Celebration of Life gathering will be 4:30 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2019, at the American Legion Post 46, lower level, 1301 South 6th Street in Marshalltown. Memorials may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown and the Marshalltown Frank Lewis Glick American Legion Post 46. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Ruth was born December 23, 1922, in Alden, IA, to Carl and Mina (Brauer) Klein. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in Iowa Falls, IA. Ruth was united in marriage to Cecil Johnson on May 11, 1942, in El Centro, CA, just before Cecil was deployed by the Army for WWII. She worked as a telephone operator. Ruth didn't see Cecil again until the war ended. They moved to Indiana where Cecil was assigned as a cook at a POW Camp. Ruth also played first base for the Army softball team. After the war, they moved back to Iowa Falls, then to Marshalltown, where she was a stay at home mom to her two children, Gregg and Alan. Ruth was a strong woman who survived cancer in the early '60s and went on to own/run successful restaurants with Cecil, including Cecils Café, Bypass Café, Totem Bowl Lounge, and Cecils Roundtable (at the same time!). Ruth and Cecil also ran the concession stand at the Softball Complex for many years, as well as sponsoring many teams. After Ruth and Cecil retired, they spent their winters in Mesa, AZ, making friends and having a great time. They spent their summers in Canada, where both loved to fish. They finally moved back to Marshalltown in 1985.

Ruth is survived by her son, Gordie (Debbie), and their three children, John, Adam, and Laura. She also has three grandchildren from her son, Alan (Julie), Lindsey, Carrie, and Kelley. Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Alan, husband Cecil, sister Lois (Grua), brother Willard (Klein).

Tributes

Brendan Dulaney wrote on Aug 9, 2019:

"We loved seeing Ruth every weekend! She always was so kind and welcoming. I remember one morning we were at the counter, and Ruth was talking to the folks at the table behind us. I almost fell off my stool when I heard her say "Cecil always told people he had the biggest cock in town" of course speaking of the top hat wearing chicken! GODSPEED Ruth. "

Dale Shepard wrote on Jul 24, 2019:

"Gordie, sorry for your loss. Ruth was a nice lady, she will be missed, she made me laugh."

Butch Baer wrote on Jul 24, 2019:

"Gordie and Family, So very sorry to read of your mother's passing. No words are ever enough when we loose a loved one. God Bless you and keep you as you deal with your sorrow."

Jim Robinson wrote on Jul 23, 2019:

"Fond memories of time on Stegman Blvd. Sorry for your loss. Jim Robinson"

David Thomas wrote on Jul 23, 2019:

" Gordy and Family, We like many in Marshalltown have fond memories of your mom at the register. You and she are in our memories. David Thomas "

Susanne Sietmann wrote on Jul 22, 2019:

"Gordo, Deb, Adam, John, Laura and families, So sorry to hear of Ruthie?s passing. As I now live in Colorado, I will not be able to make her ?Celebration of Life?, but will certainly be thinking of all of you. I have many fun and fond memories of Ruth at Cecil?s. I am sure Cecil and Alan are rejoicing to see her. Gordo, you were certainly her world and I know how much she loved you, Deb and the kids. May God give you strength and peace as you grieve her passing. Susanne "