Ruth Poteete Johnson March 13, 1921-September 16, 2025
Born March 13, 1921 in Taft, CA, to W.L. and Opla Poteete, Ruth was the fourth of ten children. From her earliest years, she was shaped by the values of faith, hard work, creativity, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family; virtues she carried throughout her long and remarkable life.
After graduating from Kern County Union High School in 1938, Ruth attended junior college in Bakersfield and worked part-time at the high school and during WWII, at Minter Field Army Air Corps base in Shafter, CA. She then went to the University of California (U.S.C.) and graduated in 1947 with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Following graduation, Ruth worked for the Crippled Children's Society as an O.T. in both Bakersfield and Taft primarily helping children with cerebral palsy. Her work reflected her natural compassion, patience, and commitment to improving the lives of others.
In 1948, Ruth married Arthur Johnson, Jr. beginning a love story that spanned 52 years until his passing in 2001. Together, they traveled the world, danced the waltz and the foxtrot, and actively participated in their church community. They welcomed three children, each raised with the same steadfast love and values that defined Ruth's life.
Ruth had an extraordinary gift for creating a warm, welcoming home. She learned to cook and sew from her mother and carried those skills with her always, earning the affectionate title of the "Martha Stewart" of the family. Whether it was her famous spaghetti dinners, her beautifully tended gardens, or her magical holiday traditions, Ruth infused every detail with creativity and care. She once said she didn't like to take risks and only liked short-term projects she knew she could do well, and indeed, every meal, craft, or celebration bore her signature of excellence. More than her talents, though, Ruth will be remembered for her gentle heart, humble nature, enduring faith, and generosity.
Ruth is survived by her children, Kristin (Jim) Casparie, Robert Johnson, and William (Randi) Johnson. Grandchildren Lindsey Taylor (Clay), Ryan Johnson (Marie-Eve), and Allison Del Zompo (Ricky). Great-grandchildren, Liam, Laurelie, and Mason Johnson, Isla and Hayes Taylor, Piper and Paisley Del Zompo. Ruth's sister,
Lucille Heitz, and a large extended family also survive her.
Born March 13, 1921 in Taft, CA, to W.L. and Opla Poteete, Ruth was the fourth of ten children. From her earliest years, she was shaped by the values of faith, hard work, creativity, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family; virtues she carried throughout her long and remarkable life.
After graduating from Kern County Union High School in 1938, Ruth attended junior college in Bakersfield and worked part-time at the high school and during WWII, at Minter Field Army Air Corps base in Shafter, CA. She then went to the University of California (U.S.C.) and graduated in 1947 with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Following graduation, Ruth worked for the Crippled Children's Society as an O.T. in both Bakersfield and Taft primarily helping children with cerebral palsy. Her work reflected her natural compassion, patience, and commitment to improving the lives of others.
In 1948, Ruth married Arthur Johnson, Jr. beginning a love story that spanned 52 years until his passing in 2001. Together, they traveled the world, danced the waltz and the foxtrot, and actively participated in their church community. They welcomed three children, each raised with the same steadfast love and values that defined Ruth's life.
Ruth had an extraordinary gift for creating a warm, welcoming home. She learned to cook and sew from her mother and carried those skills with her always, earning the affectionate title of the "Martha Stewart" of the family. Whether it was her famous spaghetti dinners, her beautifully tended gardens, or her magical holiday traditions, Ruth infused every detail with creativity and care. She once said she didn't like to take risks and only liked short-term projects she knew she could do well, and indeed, every meal, craft, or celebration bore her signature of excellence. More than her talents, though, Ruth will be remembered for her gentle heart, humble nature, enduring faith, and generosity.
Ruth is survived by her children, Kristin (Jim) Casparie, Robert Johnson, and William (Randi) Johnson. Grandchildren Lindsey Taylor (Clay), Ryan Johnson (Marie-Eve), and Allison Del Zompo (Ricky). Great-grandchildren, Liam, Laurelie, and Mason Johnson, Isla and Hayes Taylor, Piper and Paisley Del Zompo. Ruth's sister,
Lucille Heitz, and a large extended family also survive her.
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