Ruth K. Wilson-Johnson

Ruth Wilson-Johnson, age 99 of Monroe left Medilodge Nursing Home to be with the Lord on October 4, 2015. Friends may call on Thursday from 5 – 8 pm at the Allore Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 203 E. Elm Ave. She will lie in state Friday from 11 am until time of service at 12 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 312 Harrison St. Rev. Katie Waggoner will officiate. Born September 15, 1916 in Lima, Ohio, Ruth was the daughter of Clark & Lenore (Beecher) Saylor. A graduate of Lima Central High School in 1934 Ruth then completed her schooling at Lima Business College two years later. She worked as a private secretary for Artcraft Sign Company in Lima, Ohio and Porcelain Steel Company in Clyde, Ohio for a total of seven years. Ruth married Corporal Thomas R. Wilson of Fremont, Ohio in 1943 and lived in Moscow, Idaho, Red Bank, New Jersey, Carthage Missouri and Port Clinton, Ohio before moving to Monroe in 1956. Ruth was very active with the First United Methodist Church in Monroe and was a member of the Administrative Board and Council of Ministers. She served in positions such as Education Chairman, Evangelism Chairman, Sunday School Curriculum Secretary and Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and other miscellaneous positions in the United Methodist Women's Organization. As a member of the Monroe Council of Churches, Ruth was a Hospital Visitor for 3 years, President for 2 years and Treasurer for 7 years. She was chosen "Christian Lay Person of the Year" in 1966. Ruth worked for the City of Monroe as a Clerk-Stenographer in Planning & Urban Renewal for a year, Secretary & Purchasing Assistant for 10years and Administrative Assistant to the Director & Council for 3 years. She also was Secretary-Treasurer for the Monroe County Purchasing Officers Association from 1965-1977. Upon her retirement, December 8, 1978 was designated to be Ruth Wilson Day by the Mayor and City Council. After her husband of 39 years passed away, Ruth later married Woodward Johnson of Hartford City. Sadly he passed just 1 ½ years later. Even in her 70's Ruth's adventurous nature compelled her to try White Water Rafting and Hot Air Ballooning. Her passion for traveling took her around the world, until she began running out of places to visit. Ruth liked to combine traveling and Ballroom Dancing on numerous cruises. Her competitiveness in Ballroom Dancing allowed her to excel and win many awards. Ruth is survived by her son Steve Wilson of Newport, a sister-in-law Mozelle Saylor of Lima, Ohio as well as several step-grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition to her two husbands, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Donald Saylor, her daughter-in law Jenny Wilson and a niece Pat Colgan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church. To share a memory visit www.martenson.com