Ruth & Mort Johnson

Johnson, Ruth and Mort Odessa, FL Some lives and marriages are short and some last for many years. Ruth and Mort Johnson were blessed with both long lives and an amazingly long marriage. The couple were united in marriage on July 17, 1942 at the Stockbridge Methodist Church and had nearly 75 years of matrimony until Mort's death on March 12, 2017. Ruth would follow him in death on April 7, 2017. Mort's life began on April 17, 1921 in Kalamazoo, the son of Olin and Aletha (Marshall) Johnson and grew up in the Portage area where he graduated from Portage High School in 1939. Ruth Elaine Wagner was born on July 31, 1921 in Kalamazoo. She was the daughter of John and Ada (Snow) Wagner and graduated from Comstock High School also in 1939. Mort served his country during WW II in the Army Air Corps, serving in the European Theatre. He later went on to own and operate the Wheeler Roll Company in Kalamazoo until his retirement and selling of the company in 1969. Ruth would work hard to support Mort and was dedicated to raising their 5 children. Upon retirement the couple moved to Florida where they enjoyed many activities and had many friends. Together they enjoyed square dancing, playing cards and traveling. They took many memorable trips including an extended motor home travel to Alaska. They also traveled to Hawaii, Europe and Greece. In the 1980's, using his skills in engineering, Mort with Ruth's help and support, designed and built a two-story 60 foot houseboat that he and Ruth traveled up and down the intra-coastal waterways, even sailing as far as the Great Lakes. Overall, Mort and Ruth traveled more than 22,000 miles on their boat. Eventually they had a desire to put down more permanent roots so Mort and Ruth, while in their 70's built a home in Odessa, Florida where the couple would remain until moving into a local assisted living facility. The couple was blessed with a long marriage that was full of adventure, memories and stories that have been passed down to their family. Surviving members of their family include their children: Kay (Chuck) Sowles of Kalamazoo, Daryl (Ronda) Johnson of Florida and Karel (Brad) Isaacs of Florida; several grandchildren; great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Mary Johnson; and a former son-in-law, Keith Hunsinger. The couple was preceded in death by their son, Dennis Johnson; and their daughter, Karen Hunsinger. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. They were fortunate to have lived their lives like they always wanted...together, forever.