Ruby Iola Vetterhus Johnson came into this world on a Sunday afternoon, September 14, 1919. She was born to Ove Vetterhus and Almina (Hagestad) Vetterhus near Brandt Lake, South Dakota. Her mother and father chose her name. It was a choice between Opal and Ruby, both precious stones, and her dad chose Ruby. She was the 6^th child born to them with only her and her older brother John surviving.

From her parents Ruby learned to always make the best of things, don’t turn your back if you can help in some way, and try to see the humor in most situations and to save and work hard. Ruby said she loved her own family as her mother loved her. Ruby spent a lot of time with her grandmother and learned much about her Norwegian heritage and the language.

Ruby completed her schooling in Colton, South Dakota. Ruby married Jerry Johnson and they owned several businesses in the Colton area. Throughout her life she still considered Colton her home. Ruby and Jerry had 3 children, Sharon, Stephen and Suzanne. In 1966 the family moved to Washington State. Ruby enjoyed the outdoors gardening and watching her birdfeeders. She also enjoyed her cats! They always seemed to find her, and her kind heart could never send them away. Ruby loved books and had a very special gift for writing. Ruby had a quiet, gentle strength and a quick wit. She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed.

Her spirit is carried on by her children: Steve (Corinne) Johnson, Sharon Burger and Suzanne (Paul) McFadden-Miller; her grandchildren Vicktoria (Bill), Todd (Barbara), Jody (Jeff), Michelle (Dan), James (Michelle) and Jerrod; 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother, her husband and 2 son-in-laws Frank and Denis.

Ruby died at home in Pasco, WA on February 20, 2016 at the age of 96. We will celebrate her life with a graveside service at Fir Lane Memorial Park 924 E. 176^th St. Spanaway, WA, at 11:00am on Saturday, February 27, 2016, with refreshments and conversation to follow at the Gateway Cottage 124 146th St S, Tacoma, WA. Please join us