Ruth Johnson was born April 7,1936 and passed on to her Heavenly reward on March 13, 2026. She is preceded in death by her mother Eliza Jane Lewis, her father Arthur Lewis, and her husband William Franklin Johnson. She is survived by her daughters Deborah Gurganious and Denita Snider, her two grandchildren Justin Snider and Rachel Harris, her three great grandchildren, Bryson Snider, Addilyn Snider, and Easton Harris, her two brothers Hobert Lewis, Ray Lewis, and her sister Kathleen Lewis.

Today we celebrate her life and legacy. Ruth was first and foremost a faithful child of God. Her faith shone in every aspect of her life. She was the epitome of the "Virtuous Women” depicted in Psalms 31:10-31. She was a cherished friend and a beacon of love in our lives. Her warmth and compassion touched everyone she met. The children at church loved her as well and would come see “Miss Ruth” to get a piece of chocolate candy she always had tucked away in her purse for them. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special and loved. Her home was always open, filled with the aroma of her latest homemade creation and a cup of hot raspberry or peppermint tea. She never used a recipe, but created her own unique homemade treats. She never forgot anyone’s birthday, she would always send a hand drawn birthday card, a batch of her latest cookies, a bouquet of her hand made flowers, or real ones picked from her beautiful garden. She loved to entertain others and believed in using what you had to make others happy.

To say that she loved pretty things is definitely an understatement. She was always dressed in her Sunday best with her red lipstick firmly in place no matter if she was going to church, the grocery store, or to work at Reningers Antique Market. She loved all things antiques from dolls, to china, to furniture, to jewelry, she loved it all. She started her career in antiques over 50 years ago. It began as a means of sending her two daughters, Deborah and Denita, to Mount Dora Christian Academy. She threw items in a box from her kitchen and went to the flea market. It was the first time she had ever worked outside her home. Before long her husband Frank joined her. While she sold antiques, Frank would grind chipped crystal and make it look brand new. Over the years, she had an antique shop in Leesburg and in downtown Mount Dora. She eventually moved her shop to Rennigers Market where she stayed over 20 plus years. Her husband Frank often joked that she could sell an ice cube to an eskimo in the dead of winter. And it was true! Not very many people left her booth without buying one of her handmade flowers, a print of one of her drawings, or an antique of some kind.

But, it was her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother that she truly shined. She taught us the importance of kindness, the value of hard work, and the power of a mother’s love. Her strength in times of adversity inspired us all, showing us how to face life’s challenges with grace and determination. We can still hear her say, “Determination is the key. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

Although she is no longer with us on this earth, her influence lives on in the lessons she has taught us and the love she shared. We will miss her gentle guidance, her comforting hugs, her unwavering support, and her spiritual example to us all. Momma, you were more than a mother, you were our rock, our confidante, and our guiding light. Your love will continue to light our way. We love you Momma!