MT 43 News Articles View a Published Article

Ruth Irene James Obituary
Author: Ruby Johnson and Wilson Family

Ruth Irene James

Ruby Johnson and Wilson Family

God called his daughter Ruth I. James home on May 13, 2024. She died of natural causes in Salt Lake City, Utah. She loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. She felt God's presence on a daily basis and went where the Lord called her in life.

Ruth wanted you to know she had a great life. Ruth Irene Johnson was born on September 29, 1958, in Helena, Montana to Andy C. and Vera Johnson. She grew up and attended school in the Townsend area.

Upon finishing high school in 1978, she went to work at Townsend State Bank as a teller/filer. While working one day a co-worker told her to yell when she got done filing. When she finished and did as she was instructed and yelled, she scared everyone. They thought someone was robbing the bank!

Her next adventure in life was to go to Clearfield Job Corp in Utah where she attended for Culinary Arts. Upon graduating, she went to work at the University of Utah Hospital.

After many years she decided to follow her heart and become a massage therapist. She worked out of Mr. Gregory’s Salon for 24 years. Greg and Jenny Cordova became part of Ruth’s Utah family along with the rest of her coworkers.

Ruth met Alison James at Job Corp and they were married on April 21, 1984. They had no children.

Following her passion for service, she spent her life involved in many organizations. She joined the Rebekah’s Lodge in Townsend, serving as a 3rd generation member. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 47 years. Upon moving to Utah, she joined the Naomi Lodge.

Her hobbies were gardening, crafts, visiting with family and friends and traveling.

Ed & Wendy Weeks were a blessing to Ruth and our family. We want to thank them for taking great care of Ruth through the years.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Alison James, parents Andy C. Johnson and Vera Johnson, brother Richard Johnson and nephews Lucas Johnson and Terrick Johnson.

Ruth leaves behind her still alive and kicking sisters: Reba Johnson, Rita (Doug) Wilson, Ruby Johnson and her sister-in-law Diane Johnson. Nephews Clifford (Kelly) Johnson and Jon (Kristen) Johnson. Nieces Rebecca (Dale) Ruhd, Vera (Tyler) Frizzell, Desiree (Eric) Davis. Utah family Ed (Wendy) Weeks, Greg (Jenny) Cordova and numerous family and special friends.

A service celebrating Ruth James’ life will be held at 6:00 pm on May 23rd at Murray Lodge 8698 South Center Street, Sandy Utah where friends and family are invited to remember a life that touched and blessed so many. In lieu of flowers or for those moved to honor Ruth James' legacy, donations to the American Legion Auxiliary P.O. Box 804 Townsend, MT 59644 or the Oddfellows at Utah Lodge #1 1473 W 600 S Salt Lake City, Utah 84014 can be mailed.

Local Services in Townsend are pending for a later date.

Article Images

Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Photo Provided by Wilson Family
Image 1 Caption: Ruth Irene James Photo Provided by Wilson Family