Mary Ruth Louthen Johnson

Mary Ruth Louthen Johnson of Salem, VA passed peacefully Sunday, January 1, 2012 at Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem, Virginia after a short illness. She was born January 25, 1931 in Rich Valley, Virginia; daughter of the late Maggie and Thomas Louthen. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Vernon C. Johnson, sisters Alma Lanier, Jean Watkins, Virginia Tootsie Wright and brothers Bill Louthen and Thomas Louthen, Jr. She is survived by her son Dickie V. Johnson and his wife Julie of Bluefield, WV; two half sisters and two half brothers. Mary Ruth Johnson proudly lived in Coalwood, WV for over 50 years and was a member of The Coalwood Community United Methodist Church. She worked several years at the Coalwood Company Store and was active in many community functions. Her last 10 years were spent in Salem, VA living close to her niece and constant companion Connie Watkins and husband Harry Brewbaker. Her other daily companions were niece Joy Brewer and husband, Jack of Salem, VA and great-niece Wendy Baumgartner and husband, John of Salem, VA. She also enjoyed the love and company of many other nieces, nephews, family and friends. She treasured her visits from neighbor Miss Mary Beth Mills. The family of Mary Ruth Johnson expresses their deepest gratitude for the professional and compassionate care rendered by Dr. Edward Humerickhouse and other treating physicians, nurses and staff in the MICU at Lewis Gale Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10AM Friday, January 6, 2012 in the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The Rev. Gerald Roberts will officiate. Burial will be at 2PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell, WV. Honorary pallbearers are Harry Brewbaker, Joe Mills, Jack Brewer, John Baumgartner, Steve Brock, Ronnie Louthen and Marvin Davidson. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8PM Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Coalwood Community United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 972, Welch, WV 24801. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.