Ruth Arlene Friend Johnson

Ruth Arlene Friend Johnson, 98, of Marietta, Ohio passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2023. She was born August 4, 1924 in Duck, West Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Faith Duffield. Her husband Charles Ray Friend of 45 years passed away in 1988.

Arlene was also preceded in death by her brother Emery Duffield and sister Lorita Jenab. She is survived by sisters Dianne (Ralph) Nottingham and Karen (John) Dawson.

Arlene and Ray moved to Marietta in 1943 to begin their lives together. They had three children; Brenda (Tony) Hernandez, Beverly Bansemer and Barbara Welch, deceased (husband Jack). There were 8 grandchildren; Lisa (Craig) Turbeville, Leslie Hernandez (Rafael, deceased), Michael (Jamison) Hernandez, Albert Bansemer, Aaron (Brandi) Bansemer, Ruthie (Steve) Jett, William Gray and Josh Gray; fifteen great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.

Arlene’s passions in life were her children, family and friends, She loved spending time with them which included traveling, camping, picnics and playing card games. She also enjoyed her work in Tupperware, advancing to manager. She retired from J.C. Penney Co. after 23 years. Arlene was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Marietta. In 2017, Arlene moved to Seven Hills, Ohio with her granddaughter Ruthie and her husband Steve.

Funeral services will be Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 2 PM at Roberts Funeral Home, 27880 St. Rt. 7, Marietta, OH 45750. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until the time of the service. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. Online tributes may be made at www.robertsfuneralhome.com