Ruth Crain Johnson

Ruth Crain Johnson

Hermitage, Tennessee

Ruth Crain Johnson, age 97, of Hermitage, TN, passed away Monday, September 29, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN. She was the daughter of the late Stephen and Rena Clarke Crain. She was born in 1928 in Hartford, TN and resided in Erwin, TN, from 1933 until 2011, when she and her husband moved to Hermitage, TN. Ruth was a 1946 graduate of Unicoi County High School and continued her education to become a certified beautician. She later worked in the cafeteria/dining departments of Martin Chapel Elementary, Unicoi County High School and Unicoi County Memorial Hospital. She retired from Unicoi County Memorial Hospital where she was a certified dietary manager. Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church in Erwin, TN, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Girl's in Action and youth leader, Women's Mission Union member, and sang for many years in the choir. While living in Hermitage she was a faithful member of the Ruth Class at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church. She was a member of the Erwin Monday Club and the Brandywine Women's Club of Old Hickory.

Ruth was a faithful believer in and follower of Jesus who loved to serve the kingdom through her church, volunteer groups, and whenever or wherever she saw an opportunity. In her free time, she loved to sew, read, play games, do puzzles, grow flowers and plants, as well as visit with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by Guy Allen Johnson, her husband of 57 years, four sisters and one brother. Ruth has left behind to cherish her memory two daughters: Ila Ruth, married to Rodney Wilson; and Susan Alice, married to Joseph (Joe) Runnels. She was blessed with four grandsons and two granddaughters: Isaac Wilson; Will Runnels, married to Danielle; Elijah Wilson, married to Alexandria; Caleb Wilson, married to Kaden; Ally Stamoulis, married to Agamemnon (AJ); Tommy Runnels, married to Nycole; and Courtney Danley, married to Derek. Finally, she was doubly blessed with six great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many extended family members.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Ruth Crain Johnson in a graveside committal service to be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Evergreen Cemetery. Reverend Derek Danley will officiate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Those attending the committal service should meet at Valley Funeral Home by 12:30 pm on Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. Ruth's family will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ruth's name to First Baptist Church, 200 Love Street, Erwin, TN 37650 or to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or online at www.samaritanspurse.org .

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Ruth Crain Johnson through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN. 37650. (423)743-9187.