Ruth Barbee Johnson

RUTH BARBEE JOHNSON, age 98, of Twinsburg, OH, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026. Barbee was born in Meadville, PA on March 30, 1927 to the late Clarence & Virginia Johnson. She was the oldest of five dear siblings, who all preceded her in death, the late Carolyn Ross, Clarence "Bo" Johnson, Frances Lonnelle "Nell" Sutliff and David Johnson.

Barbee was the heart of her family, and was the beloved wife of the late Edward; loving mother of Lee Ellen Thompson (the late Tom), Jeffrey Alan (Kate) Johnson, and Michael Edward (Jodi) Johnson, cherished grandmother of Jessica (Matt) McTighe, Jamie Johnson (Tessa Neiderbaumer), Brennan and Casey Johnson; dear great grandmother of Maeve and Morrison McTighe.

After Barbee and Edward settled in Cleveland Hts., Ohio, to raise their family, she worked at Hillside Dairy as the head bookkeeper for many years. She was a trusted friend and neighbor to all who were lucky enough to know her. She so appreciated the fact that Mike and Jodi moved into the house across the street from them to begin raising their family. She loved their dog, Rista, who she enjoyed taking for walks or a trip in the car. She felt most fortunate to have her first born grandchildren living right across the street. She liked nothing better than to spend time with Jessica and Jamie over the years which created a very strong bond between them all.

Barbee had a great love of the outdoors and endless energy. She even took up running in her 60's and completed many 5 and 10k races. In her later years, she thoroughly enjoyed long walks in the park and participated in activities at her senior center such as Silver Sneaker classes and a weekly game of Rummikub with friends. Even in her last years, she longed to be outside as much as possible and take walks around the oval in her development or a short walk in the park. Over the years, Barbee volunteered her time at N. Chagrin Metropark Nature Center and then Twinsburg Library bookstore. She also had a passion for the animals at Rescue Village where she would visit from time to time and donate to occasionally. Barbee had a passion for traveling and seeing new places. She made trips to Europe, the Middle East and United States destinations to visit family and explore.

Barbee had a quick wit and dry sense of humor that couldn't be matched. But she had an even bigger heart and a spirit that could light up a room. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Family will visit with friends Sunday, March 22 from 2-6 PM at Steinbauer Funeral Home, 33375 Bainbridge Road, Solon, Ohio. Interment the following day on Monday, March 23 at 1 pm at Greendale Cemetery in Meadville, PA.