Cohoes – Ruthie “Pep” Johnson, 82, of Cohoes, entered eternal rest on December 22, 2017. Born and raised in Troy, she was the daughter of the late John Johnson and Grace Tarbox Johnson.
Ruth worked at Tek Hughes in Watervliet until eventually retiring from there as a machine operator, a job in which she took much pride. In her free time, she loved spending time with her family, and often used her skills in arts and crafts, especially quilting, to create beautiful and unique keepsakes. She generously helped family and friends with all of their tailoring needs without ever a complaint and handled them with the utmost quality and care. She also enjoyed cooking for everyone in the family, especially when she made her renowned chicken soup. Other than time spent with family, she also enjoyed movies, game shows, and playing Bingo. She enjoyed listening to and telling stories, and instilled a passion for reading in her family.
Ruth is survived by her 4 loving children; Keith Sunkes of Halfmoon, John (Tammy) Sunkes of Anaheim, CA, Jacquelyne (Phillip) Kelly of Watervliet, and Demma “Deejay” (Hank) Shepard of Cohoes. She is also survived by two of her sisters; Barbara Anigian of Watervliet and Nancy Johnson of Hawaii. Ruth’s memory also lives on in many adoring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter; Barbara Jean Sunkes, and by 5 of her sisters; Joanie Lonergan, Betty Vines, Carol Des-Champs, and infant sisters, Dorothy and Alice. Ruth’s family would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank-you’ to both the staff at Schuyler Ridge and Community Hospice for the care they provided for Ruth.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 from 9:30 to 11 AM at Parker Bros. Memorial, Watervliet. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Cohoes. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Ruth in a special way may make a donation to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.
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