July 6, 1923 – July 6, 2017

A memorial service for Ruth Johnston, 94, of Myrtle Point will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, July 14 at the Coquille Church of the Nazarene, 997 W. Central Blvd with Pastor Ron Halvorson officiating. Please join us to send Ruth off in song to our Father in Heaven. Private interment will be held at Coos River cemetery.

She was born Ruthie Mae Smith July 6, 1923 in Manghum, La., and raised in Bastrop, La. She was the 11th of 12 children to Robert and Nancy Smith.

Ruth attended Anderson College in Anderson, Ind., then moved to the Coos Bay/ North Bend area in 1953 to teach at Sunny Hill and Blossom Gulch elementary schools. In 1954 she was a member of the Bay Choraleers, it was here that she met and married James Johnston. They were blessed with twins in 1960, Billy and Wanda, their only children.

She participated in many community activities. She was involved with SMART, a reading program for children, South Coast Hospice, the Twin Mothers Club and as a sales associate for World Book and Highlights for children. She also was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene for decades. Ruth spent many summers holding a faith-based children’s program in her family’s back yard.

Her beloved husband, Jim, passed away in 1998. She resided at the Myrtle Point Care Center for the last 10 years. She was very loved by her children, family and many friends. Her presence will be sorely missed.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

 Service Information