Ruth T. - Johnson Presson

Ruth T. Johnson - Presson, 97, of Aviston, Ill., formerly of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Saturday, April 8, 2017 at St Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, Ill.

Ruth, the daughter of the late Norman A. and Caroline Tucker Keller, was born March 8, 1920 in Fornfelt, Mo. She was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and was a homemaker. During her earlier years Ruth proudly served her country in The Women's Army Corps during World War II. For her service she received a WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Overseas Service Bars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. Ruth enjoyed spending time with her family, reading and needlework.

On Sept. 2, 1946 she married Samuel S. Johnson in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death on July 23, 1995. She later married James R. Presson. He preceded her in death on Aug. 23, 2002.

Survivors include six children, Ronald S. (Toi) Johnson of Del Valle, Texas, Mary (Stephen) AuBuchon of Avison, Ill., Paula (Samuel) Gullett of Williamsville, Samuel T. (Cheryl) Johnson of Trumann, Ark., Jacqueline Dobbs of Poplar Bluff and Norman V. (Lana) Johnson of Springfield; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A sister, Josephine Knoppe and two brothers, Harold Keller and Norman Keller also preceded Ruth in death.

The visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 a.m. Father William Hodgson will serve as Celebrant. Burial with full military honors will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery.