Ruth D. Johnson, worked for VNA

Ruth Duryea Johnson, a 55-year resident of Ridgefield, died on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004, at Laurel Ridge Health Care Center after a long illness. She was 82 years old and the wife of J. Lawrence Johnson, a native of Georgetown.

Mrs. Johnson was born in Lewisboro, N.Y., on July 25, 1922, a daughter of the late Seth and Sarah Mead Duryea and attended school in New Canaan.

Before her retirement at the age of 79 years, Mrs. Johnson was employed at the Visiting Nurse Association of Ridgefield and was recognized for her many years of loyal service.

She was a member and past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, Mamanasco Chapter #72 in Ridgefield and later became a member of Stellar Chapter #55, Order of Eastern Star in Danbury.

“Ruth enjoyed life, and especially cherished the times she attended dances with her husband and the opportunities to travel cross country and go on cruises together,” her family said. “She will be greatly missed and remembered for her compassion and strong will for life.”

Besides her husband of 63 years, Mrs. Johnson is survived by her two children: Eric L. Johnson and his wife, Eileen, and Ruthie L. Hoggard and her husband, William, all of Danbury; four grandchildren, Wayne Johnson and his wife, Debbie of New Milford, Laura Morrissey and her husband, Dan, of Warren, Julie Pace of Waterbury and Sheila Stewart and her husband, William, of Honesdale, Pa.; nine great-grandchildren, Andrea, David, Jasmine, Selena, Joscelynne, Julia, Patrick, Kevin and William. Two brothers, Seth Duryea of Vista, N.Y., and Arthur Scott of New Canaan died before her.

Services were held on Monday, Nov. 15, at the Bouton Funeral Home in Georgetown. Burial followed in Maple Shade Cemetery, Ridgefield.