Ruth Marie Shaffer Johansen was the second child born to Rev. Roy E. and Ruth T. Shaffer on January 27, 1923, while Roy was pastoring a church in Greenfield, Ohio.  Her older brother was Harry Daniel. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to East Africa to serve on the Africa Inland Mission field. Ruth Marie was six months old when they arrived in Mombasa. The family eventually ended up in Siapei to bring God's good news to the Masai. She led the normal AIM MK life in Kenya for that time: home living among the Masai, school at Rift Valley Academy, and furlough to USA every five years. The students at RVA included children of settler families, including the Johansens.  The family eventually included four other siblings: Roy David, Helen (dec. when infant), Grace Evelyn, and Esther Eileen.

From Grandmother Tell Me Your Story (2010): "Because there was a Ruth in the family, I was called Ruth Marie. The Masai could not pronounce some of the English names, but I was "Luty Milee" because they cannot pronounce "r". Later when my youngest sister, Esther, came along, it became Mitilee; and sometimes she uses that to this day!"

At the age of 13, Ruth and her older brother Harry were left in the USA when the family returned to Kenya after furlough. This was customary at that time since RVA did not continue education through high school. They boarded at the Westervelt's in South Carolina. After high school, Ruth trained in both Moody Bible School and Wheaton College to return to RVA to teach Home Economics.

"Mildred Downing, the principal's wife, said to me, "When you go to college, why not take Home Economics, then you can come back and teach it at RVA." I had never done any cooking – didn't even know how to thread a needle! But I was grateful to learn. The Shaffer and Johansen families were great friends, and I kept in touch. (I realized later that parents on both sides had plans!!) "

On returning to Kenya, Ruth reconnected with old friends both mission and others. She and Gordon Johansen married in April 1948 and, after living for a few years on the Yatta, they moved to the family's farm, Kamuthanga, near Machakos. Gordon and Ruth Marie Johansen had five children: Jennifer Johansen, Dennis Johansen (dec. 1974), Mary Christine (Kriss) Eagle, Alice Hunter, and Kenny Johansen. In 1962 Kamuthanga was sold and the family split up.  Gordon and Ruth Marie moved to Clermont, Florida, USA, and his father and the rest of the family moved to New Zealand. Except for one year in Erlanger, Kentucky, Gordon and Ruth Marie lived in Clermont and Groveland. Gordon Johansen passed away in 1969.

In Florida, Ruth Marie renewed her teaching certificate and took extra training in Special Education. She continued in this field until retirement. For a few years after retirement she lived in North Little Rock, Arkansas. While there, she attended Alliance Bible Church and ministered to young ladies with craft time in her home. Many of these now-grown ladies fondly remember Miss Ruth and the crafts times in her home.  She eventually returned to full-time residence Florida. Once again she returned to the classroom in Minneola Elementary School serving for many years as a volunteer.  For a few years she would return to Arkansas for the summer months; however, these eventually turned into brief visits for family celebrations. Eventually she moved to the community of Media, the Africa Inland Mission retirement center.

She had an extensive stamp collection (begun by Gordon when he was an RVA student) and took charge of collecting, sorting, and shipping stamps to the Alliance Women's Stamp Ministry where they were sold and the proceeds used to print Sunday School material in South America.

Ruth Marie used her home economics training all of her life. During marriage and motherhood she was able to feed and clothe her family on a modest budget. In her later active years she focused on crafts and plants and gardening. She loved her time living at Media, planting and tending to many trees and bushes. Her particular beloved two plants were "Emily's rose" (a yellow rose) and a bi-colored hibiscus. As a Scott Manor resident, her particular joy was playing the beautiful piano.

At 97 years of age, Ruth Marie Shaffer Johansen entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the morning of Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Her children and family are grateful for her unconditional love, her training, and her wise counsel given to us throughout her long life.

The family thanks the residents and staff of Media for their love and support of our mother the many years she lived among you. And we appreciate your welcoming us into your community while we cared for Ruth Marie the last months of her life. We also give grateful thanks to Cornerstone Hospice for the tender care given to Ruth by its staff and aides. The professional level of care was exceptional, and the loving concern given to Ruth by all the staff was much appreciated.

Memorial Fund

All over Africa, young people are taking up the challenge of cross cultural missions. But they face formidable challenges, among which is that many African Christians don't understand the need for financial support. A foundation has been laid by many mission workers and others for Christians in Africa to grow and mature in their faith. Today the fruit of that faithful labor is appearing in a harvest force that is the future of missions outreach.

Your gift will go into a fund to support grounded, committed, and passionate young Malagasy, Kenyan, Mozambican, and Basotho missionaries to join with AIM in sharing the gospel with unreached people groups across the continent.

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