On January 26, 2020, Heaven rejoiced as it welcomed home Ruth Ortega Sanderson, a beloved daughter and saint. She had a beautiful and peaceful transition from this world into Heaven, as she was surrounded by her loving family in Brownwood, Texas.
Ruth was born on August 1, 1952, to Abel F. Ortega and Naomi Rodriguez Ortega in Austin, Texas. The third of seven children, she grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where she also raised her own four children.
A gifted seamstress, she spent the majority of her professional career working for Levi Strauss & Co., where she worked her way up and was promoted to Community Relations Manager. After her time there, she worked for Christians United for Israel (CUFI) of John Hagee Ministries.
On March 13, 2016, she married the love of her life, Marc Sanderson. Although she stood at just five feet tall and had a beautifully kind soul, she kept this boisterous cowboy in line. They blessed each other with the best years of their lives.
The jewels on her crown are now shining brightly, as she was a faithful servant of her Savior in all that she did. A precious and treasured member of the body of Christ, Ruth always attended services and volunteered at her local church, The Feed Store, in Santa Anna, Texas. Here she also resided and helped her husband Marc with their ranch, where she loved working with their horses and cattle.
Ruth’s legacy on this earth continues through her four children: Brian Johnson (Janice) of Cripple Creek, Colorado, John Johnson (Krista) of Brownwood, Charles Johnson, Jr. of Amarillo, Yvonne Perez (Arthur) of Santa Anna. Her influence echoes in the lives of her multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless other lives that she touched. She laid a firm foundation of faith for her family that will last forever.
Ruth was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was loving, nurturing, loyal, hard-working, and supportive. A true Proverbs 31 woman, her husband and her children rise and call her blessed. In every act, she was a pure reflection of the love and sacrifice of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She never turned down an opportunity to serve and love the people in her life.
If there is one thing about Ruth that stands out above anything else, it is her passionate love for the Lord. She acknowledged Him in everything that she did. She was always learning more about Him and spending time with Him. She lived her life completely for Jesus.
Ruth has been reunited with her father, Abel F. Ortega; her first husband, Charles D. Johnson, Sr.; and her niece, Lisa Johnson Colley.
Funeral Services for Ruth will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2020, at the Santa Anna Parks and Armory with Pastor Ken Smith and Dawn Smith officiating; burial will be private.
Visitation will be held prior to services from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Santa Anna Armory. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
