Ruthie L. Johnson

Ruthie L. Johnson, 80, of Toledo, Ohio, made her transition to glory to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. She was born on March 27, 1946 in Dyersburg, Tennessee to Ida (Robert) Arterbridge and the late Sherman Gaines. Her parents, two sisters: Brenda and Minnie and a brother: Robert Jr. preceded her in death.

Her early education was obtained from the Dyer County School System. She graduated from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee with a Bachelor’ degree. After moving to Toledo, Ohio she went on to earn a Masters degree from The University of Toledo. She taught thirty-four years at Fulton Elementary School. Ruthie served as the Building Representative at Fulton Elementary School for twenty-four years. This position was an elected position by her peers. As a teacher, she was a member of the Ohio State 4th grade Math Committee and a member of the 4th grade Rangefinder Committee. She retired from active teaching in July of 2004. Ruthie returned to teaching in November of 2004 as a substitute teacher. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Inc.

Ruthie did not work just one job as she taught. She worked for Toledo window and Janitorial Services, she worked in Macys, Lion Store as a Security person at Northtown Mall and moved on to work as a Sales Clerk there, she managed to get in study time on her breaks to complete a Master’ degree and she worked in Dillard’s at Franklin Park.

Ruthie was an avid bowler. She began bowling in 1970, the same year as she began teaching at Fulton. She bowled with the same team on the same league since the league started. Thank you, Barb and Margaret.

Ruthie accepted Christ at an early age. When she moved to Toledo she joined Southern Missionary Baptist Church where her minister from Tennessee was serving as Pastor. She later joined First Church under the leadership of Pastor Culp when it was housed at 1002 Bancroft. When the church was sold Ruthie became a member of the incoming church "Family Baptist" under the leadership of Rev. Floyd Rose. She remained a member when Pastor Charles H. McBee came in 1992. She loved to sing praise and worship songs with the choir and did so until her health began to fail during Covid.

She leaves to cherish her memory daughter Anishsu Parr, son Brian Jordan, granddaughters Monica N. Jordan of Toledo, Ohio, Jessica D. Jordan of Pittsburg, Penn., Kiara Jordan of Louisville, KY., and Brenda Caldwell. Brother Terry Arterbridge of Robinsville, North Carolina, sisters Evie J. Williams and Teresa Diane Arterbridge of Toledo, OH., Tina L. Arterbridge and Ann Harris. Along with a host of friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, and all of her beloved students.

Love to Karen who made sure her medical equipment needs were met. Love to her nephews Everett, Miss Nickie and Keith for taking care of her house. Love to all her "FAMILY Baptist Church family" especially her Pastors, Charles and Terri McBee.

Family will be received at the Family Baptist Church, 1002 W. Bancroft St, Toledo, Ohio 43606 on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM with funeral services at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at The Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.