07/30/2026
Ruth (Ruthie) Johnson, age 88, of Hendricks, MN passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at the Estelline Nursing Home in Estelline, SD. Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 27th at Christ Lutheran Church in Hendricks, MN. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6pm on Sunday, July 26th at Christ Lutheran Church with a family lead prayer service at 6pm. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the service at the East Hendricks (Calvary) Cemetery in Hendricks, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Hendricks has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Ruth Letha Yvonne Langlie was born on October 26, 1937 in Canby, MN to Norris and Beaulah (Christianson) Langlie. Ruth was born into a farm family and spent her early years near Canby. The family moved northeast of Hendricks and eventually settled on the farm that has been in her family for over 130 years. Ruth enjoyed her time at country school. She rode her dad’s workhorse to country school district #32 until eighth grade. Ruth was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in 1952. She found her love of music singing in the choir where she used her talents for many years singing at countless weddings and funerals. Ruth attended Hendricks High School and graduated in 1955. During her high school years, she participated in choir, music competitions and several plays.
After graduation, Ruth continued to work on the family farm and was employed at Schultz Hardware. A flat tire led Ruthie to meet the love of her life, Glen Johnson. They were married on June 1, 1958 at Calvary Lutheran and spent the next 53 years together. They were blessed with three sons: Ron, Gary and Jay.
While the boys were growing up, Ruth continued to help on her parents’ farm. For the next 40 years, Ruth and Glen helped at Irene’s Café and also began farming on their own. Ruth was truly the “farmer” of the relationship while Glen worked as a rural mail carrier. No one enjoyed being outside and on a tractor more than Ruthie.
Ruth helped her community by being involved in several clubs and organizations. She had a love of all sports but her true passion was softball. Ruthie was an all-state pitcher and continued to play into her 50’s. In her later years, Ruth enjoyed watching and cheering for her sons and then grandchildren in their many activities.
Ruth’s battle with dementia led her to a long term stay in the nursing home. Through her strength and God’s wonderful grace, she continued to bless those around her until her passing on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Norris and Beaulah Langlie; her husband, Glen; her brothers-in-law: Parnell, Milton, Donald, Kenneth and Paul Johnson, Adolph Mathison and David Grengs; sisters-in-law: Berniece Mathison, Irene Johnson, Ruth Grengs, Esther Johnson, Verona Johnson, Dorris Johnson and Lois Johnson.
Ruth is survived by her three sons: Ron (Racquel) Johnson, Hendricks, MN, Gary (Sherri) Johnson, Hendricks, MN and Jay Johnson, Pipestone, MN; her grandchildren: Trent, Marissa, Kaylee, Greta, Sophie, Sadie, Kellen and Hayden Johnson; her sister-in-law, Winnie Johnson, Brookings, SD along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ruth will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.
Ruth (Ruthie) Johnson, age 88, of Hendricks, MN passed away on Wedn...
