Ruth Vivian Johnson

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Ruth Vivian (nee Koivisto) Johnson, born on Aug. 12, 1926, earned her angel wings peacefully in her sleep on April 5, 2025, in Ironwood.
She grew up on a farm in Erwin Township with 11 siblings as a beloved daughter of Jacob and Maria Koivisto. Her brothers were Jack, Matt, John, Reino, Eugene, Carl, William, Clifford and Raymond; and her sisters were Hilda Koskela and Eleanor Kivi.
Ruth was a devoted wife of Robert W. Johnson, who preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 1973, and a loving mother to Susan Koski (Bob), Roberta Tafelski and Marcy Abramson (Larry). She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Dominique Daniel (Justin Keyes), Dr. Tyler (Aimee) Koski, Trevor (Heidi) Koski, Kyle (Jillian) Tafelski, Jacob Abramson, Lance (Kristy) Tafelski and Ashley Abramson (Grant Balke); and seven great-grandchildren: Owen Koski, Sydney Koski, Bohdi Keyes, Beatrix Koski, Shepard Koski, Hawkins Tafelski and Petronella Tafelski. She was widowed at the age of 47 and cherished her family as much as they cherished her.
To know Ruth was to be uplifted by even the most casual encounter with her. She radiated positivity and kindness. Ruth made countless friendships from working at her jobs at Sears Roebuck and Company, Stern & Field and D & B Freight Sales. Her musical laugh, big smile and genuine interest in everyone will be remembered and missed as much as her lifelong talent for sewing and knitting. Hundreds of brides, prom queens and homecoming attendees of the Ironwood area proudly wore Ruth's creations over the decades. She could make a gown or knit a sweater just by looking at a photo. Her green thumb - as evidenced by her beautiful rose bushes - and world-class handmade pies are some of her other memorable talents. But possibly her greatest gift to all who knew her was her ability to truly listen, and to use her rare degree of common sense, to offer kind words or advice. She had a way of making everyone feel heard and seen.
Ruth loved her weekday dose of "The Young and the Restless," a good Friday night fish fry, Dairy Queen blizzards, Sunday Mass, wearing the color red and looking her best. Her children and grandchildren fondly recall the many joyous holidays she hosted in her house on Francis Street. As a young widow, she had to raise her then-teenage daughter, Marcy, alone and she did it as she did everything: with grace, courage and perseverance - or what her Finnish brethren called "sisu." Ruth made the best of every situation until her last breath. To her family and friends, she was a one-in-a-billion, and will never be forgotten.
Per her wishes, there will not be a funeral service but rather a private burial service for family.
In lieu of flowers, Ruth asked for donations to be made to the Erwin Township Historical Society, 8970 Van Buskirk Road, Ironwood, MI 49938.
Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.