Ruth A. Johnson

Ruth A. Johnson, 83, of Richmond, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Kent Hospital. Born on July 7, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Frederick V. Pearce Sr. and Margaret J. ( Morrow) Pearce.

Ruth was the devoted wife of 62 years to Walter Johnson, Jr., and together they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories. She and Walter lived for a time in Ohio and Georgia but were always drawn back to their beloved home state of Rhode Island.

She is survived by three of her five children: Tammy Johnson, Deanna Johnson (Angel Arocho), and Walter Johnson III (Kimberly); her beloved grandchildren: Joey Colon (Krissy), Matthew Colon (Trudy Wilson), Clayton, Tyler and Grady Johnson, Ella Arocho, Corey Mitchmore and Shawn and Courtney Stewart ; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Matthew, Jordan, Odin, and Franklin Colon, and Katy Appleton. She also leaves behind her siblings: Brenda Stadinck, Connie Taylor, Suzan Menihan, and Barry Pearce, along with many beloved extended family members.

Ruth was predeceased by her beloved daughter Michelle “Bella” Johnson and Debbie Stewart; her sisters Margie Giles, Kathy Mullins, and Judy Jordan; her brothers Jack, Thomas, and Fredrick Pearce Jr.; and is now joyfully reunited with them and her beloved parents, Nana and Papa, in Heaven.

Ruth dedicated more than 20 years of her life to serving others through her work for the State of Rhode Island. She began her career at The Ladd School and, after its closure, continued her service in state-run group homes, where she touched countless lives with compassion and care.

She also had a true passion for quilting and knitting and took great pride in creating handmade treasures for her family and friends. She loved traveling with her husband, especially their road trips, which were most often spent visiting children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Above all, Ruth cherished time with her family, who meant the world to her.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. A funeral home service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Avery-Storti Funeral Home. Burial will follow at New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingstown.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to a gathering at 1:00 PM at the Elks Lodge of South Kingstown, 60 Belmont Ave, Wakefield, RI 02879.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

https://gofund.me/53407b70

For those unable to attend, Ruth’s services will be live-streamed at:

https://www.youtube.com/@avery-stortifuneralhome4853