Ruth Ann Johnson, age 98, of Escanaba, formerly of Bark River, passed away Friday afternoon, September 29, 2017 at Christian Park Healthcare Center in Escanaba. She was born on July 23, 1919 in Gilman, WI, the daughter of Martin and Elsbeth (Fluetsch) Henkel. As a young girl, the family moved to the Cornell area during the 1920s. Ruth grew up in Cornell where she also attended school. The former Ruth Ann Henkel married James F. Johnson on August 26, 1939 at Central United Methodist Church in Escanaba and he preceded her in death on April 15, 1997. The couple shared 57 years of marriage together and raised three sons. Throughout the years, Ruth worked side by side with her husband, James, on the family farm and also in the woods with their logging business. Ruth and James did everything together, creating countless memories. She was a very helpful and thoughtful person who always had a smile for everyone. Ruth never wanted to put anyone out. She enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers with her sons and loved spending time with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be missed by so many.

Ruth Ann Johnson is survived by three sons, James (Sylvia) Johnson of Wells, Carl (Roselyn) Johnson of Iron River, MI, and Wade (Lila) Johnson of Bark River; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth Ann was preceded in death by grandson, Jeremy Wade Johnson; three sisters, Elsie Hakim, Clara Wells, and Mary Harrison; and four brothers, Henry, Martin, Chris, and George Henkel.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m., to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ruth Ann will follow at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Elise Low Edwardson officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward in the Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery. 

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