Ruby Johnson

Amelia Ruby Johnson, age 94, of Leroy, passed away November 14, 2012 at Lake Shore Estates in Waco. A celebration of Ruby's life will be held Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the Leroy Church in Leroy. Visitation with the family is at 10:00 a.m. and the memorial service begins at 11:00 a.m. There will be a private family burial. Ruby was born October 8, 1918 in Jennings, Louisiana, the daughter of Julian and Maggie (Kerr) LeGros. She was a graduate of South Park High School in Beaumont and the Draughan Business School in Lubbock. Ruby met Ned Johnson, who was on military leave from active naval duty in the Pacific during WWII. They were engaged to be married within two weeks and married on December 21, 1943. She subsequently moved to San Diego, and later Miami, to be close to the Ned's assigned naval ports. After the war, Ruby was employed by the Texas A&M University Library and the Sherman Public Library. Ned and Ruby formed the Ned Johnson Land Company and worked together in real estate and ranching. She enjoyed playing bridge with the West bridge clubs and a daily card game with her husband, Ned. Ruby was a dedicated homemaker and a loving, nurturing, mother, grandmother and aunt. Her home was always a welcome respite for anyone. Ruby was a longstanding and active member of the Leroy Church and a number of philanthropic organizations including The Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, lifetime PTA member, PEO, Girl Scouts and the 1950's rural Home Demonstration Club. She also served as President of the Rebekah Assembly of Texas, an international service organization affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ruby's life and service exemplified the Rebekah creed to: "live peaceably, do good unto all, and obey the Golden Rule". In her role as President, she provided leadership for the Odd Fellow and Rebekah orphan and retirement homes in Texas, numerous relief projects, the IOOF Educational Foundation, the Visual Research Foundation, and the United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth. Ruby is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Otto Richard and Julian "J.F." LeGros; and two sisters, Hazel Ebarb and Lillie Hebert. Survivors include her beloved husband of 68 years, Ned Johnson of Leroy, a daughter, Cindie Lehr and husband Larry; a grandson, Pierce Lehr and wife Megan; three great grandsons, Harrison, Bennett and Charles; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorials may be made to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows & Rebekahs Retirement Home, 2302 S. Oak Grove Rd., Ennis, Texas 75119.