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Ruth Eleanor Johnson Yensan passed away on February 8, 2026, in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 88. Born and raised in Schenectady and Niskayuna, New York, Ruth married Oscar H. Yensan on May 1, 1971. They settled in Camillus, New York, where Ruth enjoyed a fulfilling career teaching for the New York State Department of Education. She took great pride in her work with gifted students until her retirement in July 1993.
Ruth and Oscar shared a love for boating throughout their marriage. They spent many summers at Calumet Island in the Thousand Islands and explored the Finger Lakes and Great Lakes. After moving to Vero Beach in retirement, Ruth became an avid crafter, known for her handmade cards and crocheted baby blankets for the local hospital. She and Oscar also shared a deep affection for their many orange cats over the years.
A devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach, Ruth attended regularly until her health declined.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; her stepson, Douglas; her brother, Robert; and her parents, Col. Gerden F. and Emily L. (Shuler) Johnson. She is survived by her stepdaughter-in-law, Phyllis Yensan; her nephew, Andrew Johnson; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Lauren Lucchini for her caring and thoughtful support, and to the staff at Sonata Vero Beach for their years of dedicated care. We also extend our thanks to Marllyn Justice, whose expertise and personal attention allowed Ruth to fulfill her wish of staying in Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach, the Visiting Nurse Association Home Care and Hospice of Vero Beach, or the Sonata Staff Christmas Fund
Interment will take place at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Thursday, February 26th, 2026, at 11:00 am.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
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