Margaret Ruth (Johnson) DeMeyer

      Margaret Ruth (Johnson) DeMeyer, known to family and friends simply as Ruth, went to be with her Heavenly Father on May 18, 2026.

      Ruth was born on October 10, 1928, in Newton, Iowa, to Claude and Ethel (McAtee) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry DeMeyer, Jr.; her son, Harry Douglas DeMeyer; her grandson, Jon DeMeyer; her daughters-in-law, Sandra (Showalter), Barbara (Fairfield) DeMeyer; and all thirteen of her siblings.

      At Ruth's specific request, her siblings are listed here: James Cedric Johnson, Frederick Lynn Johnson, Robert Noel Johnson, Darrell Watson Johnson, Patrick Lee Johnson, Dora Mae (Johnson) Woody, Cecilia Jean (Johnson) Daly, Marjorie Ann (Johnson) Jacobs, John Howard Johnson, Mary Louise (Johnson) Hoff, Richard Dean Johnson, Donna Clair (Johnson) Illingworth, and Charles William Johnson.

      As the last surviving member of the Claude and Ethel Johnson family, Ruth carried with her a lifetime of memories of the brothers and sisters she loved dearly and never forgot.

      Left to cherish her memory are her sons, David Michael DeMeyer, Randy William DeMeyer, and Charles Lee DeMeyer; her grandchildren, Christy (DeMeyer) Martin, Holly (DeMeyer) Maggard, Phil DeMeyer, Steven DeMeyer, Lisa DeMeyer, Marie DeMeyer, Allison DeMeyer, and Charles DeMeyer Jr.; her daughters-in-law; and many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

      Ruth was a long-time resident of Newton, Iowa, and graduated from Newton High School in 1947. She worked at the Maytag Dairy Farm and later spent many years employed by Newton Manufacturing. Following her retirement and the passing of her husband, she moved to Texas to enjoy a warmer climate and spent her remaining years there.

      Those who knew Ruth knew that her faith in Jesus Christ was not simply something she professed—it was how she lived. She faced life's challenges with quiet determination, trusting that God would guide her path. She cherished her church family; treasured time spent in fellowship with friends and found great comfort in prayer and Scripture. Her faith was a source of strength throughout her life and remained steadfast until the very end.

      She loved fishing and camping and was a talented knitter and quilter. Her home was often filled with church friends gathering for knitting parties, where, by Ruth's own account, more wine was consumed than articles were knitted. Those friendships brought her great joy and comfort throughout her later years, especially the companionship of her dear friend, Lori Vinz.

      Ruth's life was defined by her devotion to family, faith, friendship, and the simple pleasures of life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

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