Obituary of Ruth Utterback Johnson

Ruth Utterback Johnson of Lodi, passed away in Lodi at the age of 101 on August 30, 2004. Mrs. Johnson was born in Winthrop, Iowa on July 27, 1903 to Charles and Margaret Utterback. Her family moved to California when she was an infant, and she spent her childhood growing up in Christian Colony in Acampo. Ruth graduated from Lodi High School in 1922. She later graduated from San Jose State with a B.S. in education and began teaching in Manteca. She met Eric Johnson in Manteca, subsequently married him in 1926 and moved to Stockton. She was an elementary school teacher for approximately 30 years at Rustic School in Manteca. Mrs. Johnson lived in Stockton until 1990, moving to Lodi at that time up until her death, a loving mom and good Christian. She enjoyed refinishing wood, painting and decorating, reading and traveling. She was a member of the Unity Church in Stockton and Order of Eastern Star, Retired Teacher?s Association and the Philematheon Club of Stockton. She is survived by her sons, Eric Johnson and Galen Johnson; 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eric Wilfred Johnson; son, H. Martel Johnson; daughter, Lois C. Johnson; brother, Vesper Utterback; sisters, Rachel Utterback Davidson, Esther Utterback and Elizabeth Utterback. There was no visitation, and committal was private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204-1953.