Ruth (Renel) (Johnson) Moore, 80, of Gillett, peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on Monday, April 6, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Ruth was born Feb. 11, 1946, in Oconto Falls, to Robert and Harriet (Jones) Renel. She grew up in the area and attended Elm Lawn School, a one‑room schoolhouse serving grades K-8. Those early years were fondly remembered by Ruth, especially the singing programs that brought her great joy.
After attending high school, Ruth married Dale Johnson. Together they built a family home in Gillett, where Ruth remained and devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising their four children, Robert, Robin, Ray and Rhonda. Life brought challenges, but Ruth faced them with determination, faith and an unwavering commitment to her family.
Ruth worked tirelessly to provide for her children, always finding ways to make ends meet and ensure they were cared for and loved. No matter the circumstances, she made Christmas a special and meaningful time, filling her home with warmth, generosity and joy.
Her strong faith guided every aspect of her life. Ruth served as a Sunday School superintendent and was deeply involved in her church, where she was especially known for organizing and creating some of the most memorable and entertaining Christmas and Vacation Bible School programs the congregation had ever experienced.
Through the years, Ruth’s work ethic never wavered. She worked third shift as a CNA, drove two daily school bus routes, cared full time for two of her grandchildren, and baked and decorated cakes to earn extra income — all done with love and a desire to support her family.
Ruth found peace and happiness in gardening and later discovered a new sense of freedom and enjoyment in owning and riding a motorcycle. After 35 years of being single, she was blessed to find love again and married Philip Moore in February 2017, beginning a new and joyful chapter of her life.
Ruth was known for her selflessness, her loyalty to friends and her remarkable ability to forgive — qualities she always credited to her relationship with God. Her life was one of quiet strength, deep faith and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on through her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Harriet and Robert Renel; and her brother, Fred Renel.
She is survived by her loving husband, Philip Moore; her children, Bob (Lisa) Johnson, of North Carolina, Robin (Jared) Banaszynski, of Gillett, Ray Johnson, of Oconto, and Rhonda Johnson, of Shawano; grandchildren, Melissa, Jordan, Brianna, Abigale, Jackson and Gabriella; great-grandchildren, Roman, Cooper and Julian; and brother, Terry (Mary) Renel.
Visitation for family and friends will take place after 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Faith United Lutheran Church in Gillett. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor John Laatsch officiating. A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.
The family would like to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Gillett Ambulance and Fire Department and to the wonderful caregivers at St. Clare Hospital for the compassion, dignity and kindness shown to Ruth and her family on the day of her passing.
