Obituary: Ruth E. (Dodge) Johnson, 93, Longtime North Reading Resident

Ruth  E.  (Dodge)  Johnson,  93, of North Reading, died at her home on Monday, April 14, 2014. She was the beloved wife of the late Howard Johnson.

Born in Stoneham, MA on September 15, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary Jane (Holden) Dodge. Ruth was a graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1938 and Massachusetts School of Art, Class of 1940.

Ruth worked as a waitress for Howard Johnson’s Restaurant and the Colonial Restaurant in Lynnfield.  She worked for 16 years for Compugraphic as cafeteria manager and cook. Ruth was also a cook and “Responsible Person” for the Fitch Home and for How’s Work as a companion for Mystic Valley Elder Services.

Ruth has been a resident of North Reading for the past 64 years and a member for many years at the Martin’s Pond Union Baptist Church. She was a member of the Christian Women’s Club and BYKOTA Club.

She was a generous, humble, optimistic, energetic server with a contagious sense of humor. Her readiness to listen to beloved family and friends always brought assurance, relief, comfort and hope, as she offered words of encouragement, empathy, support and prayers.

Ruth was a beautiful, Godly, kind woman, Ruth’s sparkling blue eyes brightened even more with her bubbling, singing laughter in conversations with everyone she met, no matter where she was-at home or work, at the store or on the phone, sitting on the porch or in church. Everyone who knew her loved her. 

Family members include her loving daughters, Karen Lee Hurley and Vicki Ellen Simpter, both of North Reading and Linda Jo Gamache of Sanborn, NY; her sister, Edyth L. Arthur Haines of Kissimmee, FL, she was the sister of the late Alfred and Theodore Dodge, Alberta Murphy and Mary Canelas. Also survived by 10 cherished  grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Her funeral service will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Tuesday, April 22 at 11 a.m. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to: Martin’s Pond Union Baptist Church, 4 Cogswell Road, North Reading, MA 01864.