Obituary of Maxine Estella Johnson

Maxine Estella Ruggles Johnson 1917 – 2014 Maxine was born in Puyallup, Washington USA, her family moved to Saskatchewan when she was a small child. Maxine was proud of her dual citizenship. Maxine was one of six children. Her father was a grain buyer and moved around a lot, so when she was asked where she grew up she would say, “all over Saskatchewan”. Maxine attended the Moose Jaw Normal School in 1936, she taught in many small towns across Saskatchewan. It was at her teaching post in Bramshott School that she met the handsome Royal Lake store owner, Clarence Johnson. They were married in 1942. They moved to Victoria, to Montreal Lake and then to Shell Lake, where she was happy to be back teaching. The family was complete with the birth of their son Brian and daughter Gail. Maxine retired from teaching in 1975 after 27 years. Maxine volunteered her time in many ways, she helped with the history book of Shell Lake, was very involved with the Church, it was the name she submitted that was chosen for the joining of the churches. “Partners in Faith” Reading was one of Maxines pastimes, she loved true stories. She also loved clothes, but the shopping was a challenge. Maxine loved special occasions, weddings, birthdays, and any get togethers. Maxine was known to have her little camera with her everywhere, and always wrote on the calendar like a diary. Maxine loved to have company, was known to have a strong opinion, loved sports right from a small girl, playing ball, and then curling from childhood to spreading her love of the game to the Care-workers in Canwood. Maxine was a true friend, remaining close to those she knew along the way. Maxine’s birthday book was long and extensive and included most of the community, all of her friends and their children and grandchildren. She loved her community and never lost interest in it or its residents. Her family was very important to her and she wanted to know where they were and what they were doing at all times. She was a devoted Mother and Grandmother who was so proud of her family. She will be missed and remembered with love by so many that she has touched along the way. Maxine leaves to cherish her memory: her children and their families: ~ Brian (Carol) Johnson, Shell Lake, SK and their children: Jeffery (Melissa) - Cole & Trey, Saskatoon, SK; Trevor (Kim) - Tristan, Kyra & Dylan, Shell Lake, SK; Tracy Johnson (Vince Ubell), Saskatoon, SK; ~ Gail (Jeffrey) Weir, Biggar, SK and their children: Becky, St. John’s, NFLD; Marnie, Melville, SK; Patrick, Perdue, SK; Carleton, Perdue, SK, her brother, Don (Yvonne) Ruggles, Ladysmith, BC, her sister-in-law, Beatrice (Sterling) Ruggles, Edmonton, AB, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Maxine is predeceased by her: Husband, Clarence, Parents, Roy and Mary Ruggles, Sister, Phyllis McRae, Brothers, Sterling, Warren, and Clay. The funeral service was held on Saturday, March 1st, 2014 from the Lion's Hall in Shell Lake, SK with Reverend David Jensen officiating. Memorial Donations in Maxine’s honor may be made to the Partners in Worship Church, Shell Lake, SK. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com . The family has entrusted arrangements to Brenda Beaulac of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Spiritwood, 306-883-3500.