Ruth Johnson

She was born in Marquette, Michigan on March 27, 1937, to Charles and Edith (Liljeberg) Krieg. Her family was very important to her, and Ruth ensured they would all meet every summer for the Krieg reunion. Ruth graduated from John D. Pierce High School in 1955. She was instrumental in starting her school yearbook, “The Warrior.” Ruth attended Northern Michigan University and received a degree in Social Work. This led to her moving to Escanaba, where she worked as a social worker for the State of Michigan.

In Escanaba, she met her husband Don, and they were married in Sault Ste. Marie. They raised four wonderful children in the Bark River area. While her children were growing up, Ruth returned to work as a teacher for North Menominee Community Schools. She was a natural teacher – kind, calm, and with a true love of learning. She helped countless students gain their GED or high school diploma and opened an office serving many people from the Hannahville Indian Community. During her 18 years working in Hannahville, she received the Outstanding Persons in Education Award, highlighting her devotion to the community. This was one of the highlights of her life, and she developed many meaningful friendships in this time.

Later in life, her joy came from spending time with her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She loved to read, garden, crochet, and sew, and she made a hand-quilted blanket for each of her ten grandchildren. Ruth and Don shared a love of painting and landscaping, and they worked together on five beautiful homes, each showing the comfort and love they always gave to their guests.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband Don; children Ken Johnson (Linda) of Trenary, Dave Johnson (Laura), Diane Johnson (Erik), and Dan Johnson (Shannon), all of Bark River; and grandchildren Claire Johnson, Arleigh Johnson (Emma DeGan), Olivia Johnson (Colin Harbenski), Mitchell Johnson, Linnea Jones (Jordan), Kaylin Vandermissen (Brad), Evan Johnson (Ellie Elward), Aidan Johnson (Skylar Martinson), Olin Johnson, and Mira Johnson. She is also survived by sister Joan Peterson of Sandy, UT; brother Bill Krieg of Green Bay, WI; brothers Jim Krieg, Dan Krieg, Ron Krieg, all of the Marquette area; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Edith, brothers Charles and Richard, and sister Judy, along with many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Relatives and friends may call on the family during a time of visitation from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2401 N. Lincoln Road, Escanaba. The funeral service for Ruth will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Ben Ramthun officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make memorial contributions to the Delta County Cancer Alliance, 3430 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI 49829.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to the Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone. Online condolences may be left online by visiting http://www.andersonfuneralhomes.net