Ruth T. Johnston, 89, of Jefferson, passed away on January 20, 2016, with family by her side, at Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.

Ruth was born in Damariscotta on May 17, 1926 to Florence Esther Trask and William Nelson Trask. Ruth attended local schools and graduated from Lincoln Academy High School in 1944. She met her lifelong partner, Leon Johnston and they married in August of 1944.

Ruth was a homemaker all her life and raised her family on a dairy farm. She especially loved the family gatherings. She loved the country music shows and the jamborees at the family retreat. Throughout her life Ruth’s family was her focus.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Leon, her mother and father, brothers, Donald Trask and Chester Trask.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Nancy Abbott and husband Leigh of Guilford, Donna Witham of Jefferson, Linda Peaslee and friend James Hayes of Windsor; sons, Leon Johnston and wife Terry of Jefferson, Alan Johnston and wife Becky of Jefferson, and Wayne Johnston and friend Devin of Jefferson; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3 great,great grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a country music memorial tribute to celebrate Ruth’s life at the Broken Acres Family Retreat in Jefferson at a later date. Burial will be private in the Pierpont Cemetery in Washington in the spring. Further information will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086-1240.

Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Ruth, or to share a story or pictures, visit her Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com .