Elsa Ruth Johnson

Elsa "Ruth" Johnson, 81, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on July 26, 2024

Ruth was born to Manuel Jesus and Lydia Flor Alba, in Lima, Peru, South America, on June 19, 1943. She was the third child out of ten; five brothers and four sisters. 

Ruth grew up in Peru and attended elementary school at "322", in Caraz, Peru and high-school at "2 de Mayo" in Caraz, Peru. She had a desire to become a teacher and attended, "Normal Mercedes Indacochea" in Huaraz, Peru, where she received her teaching degree. She put her degree to use working at "Cullaspampa" school in Caraz, aswell as "Helaman" school in the capitol, Lima.

In March of 1967, Ruth was the first member of her family to get baptized into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ruth served a full-time mission in the Andes of Bolivia in 1971-1972. From that day forward missionary work became a cornerstone of her life. In 1974, she traveled to Miami, Florida, USA. There she began classes at a beauty school. She also met her sweetheart, the love of her life, William "Howard" Johnson. They were married, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Los Angeles temple.

Ruth and Howard lived in various locations, but Florida was always home and where they ultimately settled. They worked as a team, whether managing apartments, cleaning banks, working diligently on their callings in the church, or supporting family members locally or abroad. They were never blessed to have any children together. Howard did however have three children from his first marriage. Together they showered their love and kindness generously to all those around them. They had many nieces and nephews who considered them second parents. After spending 41 years together, Howard passed in August of 2016, leaving a void in Ruth's heart.

She was very passionate about education all of her life. Ruth gave love and service to those who crossed her path. She loved missionary work and dedicated her life to its cause. She loved the Lord and wanted everyone to feel of His encompassing love as well. Ruth loved her family dearly. Her biggest joy was being a wife, sister, aunt and friend. She leaves a legacy of Christlike love and charity.

Ruth is survived by her three step-children; Kathleen (Jorge) Pena, of Ohio, Julie (Alex) Lee of Ohio, and Victor (Brandy) Johnson of North Carolina, and their families. Siblings; Sara Soriano of Peru, Ana Alba of Utah, Elena (Alexander) Nunez of Utah, and German Alba of Florida. As well as nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her eternal companion, her husband, William Howard Johnson; her parents, Manuel Jesus and Lydia Flor Alba; and siblings, Arturo Alba, Natanael Aquiles Alba, Luis Natanael Alba, Claudia Miguelina Alba-Jaussi and Arturo Ruben Alba. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 9, 2024 at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street, in Shelley. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 till 7:30 P.M. and Friday morning from 9:30 till 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast on Nalder Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

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