Ruby Jean (Shreve) Johnston, 83, of Evansville, Indiana passed away on January 2, 2026 in her Safety Harbor, Florida home surrounded by her loving family.
Ruby Jean was born on January 20, 1942 to Raymond Shreve and Rolena (Cox) Shreve in Evansville Indiana, and was the oldest sister to her 6 siblings.
In 1956 “Jean” started her life as a mother, raising 4 children while working for Frito Lay and a book binding company in Indianapolis Indiana for many years. In 1973 Jean went on to become a Grandmother for the first time, and a store manager at Speedway ABC Liquor Store for a number of years as well.
Jean loved to spend her free time hosting family get-togethers, traveling to see different places, visiting an array of casinos and flea markets, going to garage sales on the weekends, collecting decorative owls of all kinds, and enjoying lunches and dinners out with her close friends as often as possible. Jean also loved owning small dogs, and had several K-9 companions that she loved dearly throughout the years.
In 1995 Jean moved to Florida where she met and married her spouse Albert Johnston, bought a home, and managed a floral shop for 15 years in Seminole Florida, where she eventually retired from.
After retirement Jean briefly moved back to Indianapolis and Evansville to reconnect with family and friends, before moving to Florida with her daughter for end of life care by the beaches that she loved so much.
Ruby Jean is survived by her Daughters Melody (Charlie) Perry, and Doris (Patrick) Cleaver, Sons Tony (Susan) Downey and Joseph Downey, Brothers William (Charlotte) Kellems and Rusty Shreve, 6 Granddaughters, 3 Grandsons, 13 Great-Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by both parents, beloved Step-Mother Virginia “Ginny” (Hiney) Shreve, Spouse Albert Johnston, Son-in-law David Perry, Brothers Dennis Shreve, and Roger Shreve, Sisters Phyllis (Shreve) Eastman, and Raemona (Shreve) Parkhurst, Grandson Joseph Downey Jr, Granddaughter Jessica Downey, Grandson-In-Law David Dean, and Daughter-In-Law Julie Wilson Halcomb.
Ruby Jean Johnston has chosen to be cremated and released alongside her husband in Florida. Condolences may be made by giving a donation to any animal shelter in Ruby Jeans name!
