Ruth Johnson Blair

Ruth Johnson Blair, age 89, died October 4, 2017 in Stevensville, MI. Born to Henry and Irma (Pignola) Johnson in New Orleans, LA, where she graduated from Holy Angels Academy and later in life graduated from Elizabeth City (NC) Business College. She married Foister Ellis Blair, a career member of the U.S. Coast Guard. They traveled to and lived in various U.S. locations until their retirement in Miami, FL in 1968. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 9 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Barbara Wilson officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 – 11:00 AM just prior to the service. Ruth’s ashes will be interred next to her husband’s at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Miami, FL at a later date. Ruth is survived by son Foister Ellis (Patty) Blair II and daughter Alice Blair (Richard) Ford, daughter- in-law Cindy (Henry) Blair, 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and sister Charlotte Fritz. She was preceded in death by her husband and a son, Henry Johnson Blair. After the death of her husband, she relocated from Miami, FL to Slidell, LA and later to St. Joseph, MI to be near family. Following several strokes later in life, Ruth continued to inspire others with her fight to recover from paralysis, to regain speech and walking abilities, and to continue to exercise her mind and body through therapy, crocheting, reading, watching educational TV, and walking. She loved people and animals. She owned several chihuahuas over the years. When the weather was good, she could be seen sitting on a bench in Lake Bluff Park where she went to pet and feed the passing dogs. In lieu of flowers or gifts, friends are asked to perform random acts of kindness for senior citizens.