Ruth Ann Booth, age 82, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Centralia Manor Nursing Home.
Born on February 17, 1944, in Centralia, Ruth was the beloved daughter of the late Melvin Johnson and Kathleen (Dickinson) Johnson.
Ruth Ann devoted her life to caring for others. She proudly served 48 years as a Registered Nurse at several facilities, including Good Samaritan Hospital, Warren G. Murray Developmental Center, Dr. Beguelin’s office, and St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. Ruth Ann’s compassion, gentle spirit, and dedication touched the lives of countless patients and coworkers throughout her career.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Ruth Ann was a member of New Life Church in Salem. She loved listening to Christian music, spending time with her many friends, and especially looked forward to the annual Branson trips they shared together. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing golf. Ruth Ann also treasured every opportunity to spend time with her nieces and nephews, who were known as her “kids” that she held a special place in her heart.
She is survived by her brother, Don Johnson and his wife, Sandy, of Irvington; her sister, Susan St. Peters and her husband Stan of Centralia; several cherished nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Kathleen Johnson; her brother, Dannie Johnson; and her sister, Angie Thompson.
Funeral Services for Ruth Ann Booth will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, with Pastor Claude Howell officiating.
A Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia.
Memorials may be made to the Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted by the Sutherland – Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore St. in Centralia, IL 62801 (618)-532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Ruth Ann’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the funeral home’s Facebook page.
Ruth Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her caring heart, her lifelong dedication to nursing, and the kindness she freely shared with everyone she met. Her legacy of compassion and love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
