Ruth Cohagan deeply loved her family and her hometown community of Escalon. On the morning of July 30, 2026, after a four-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, she took her final breath basking in the love of those she cherished.
Ruth was born June 21, 1940, to Luther and Hazel Johnson, the fifth of six children. She lived her entire life in Escalon and remained remarkably close to all of her siblings throughout their lives. She graduated from Escalon High, attended Modesto Junior College, and on September 11, 1965, married Ron Cohagan, beginning a six-decade, unbreakable bond. She and Ron raised their two children, Jennifer and Matthew, in this community that raised her. She worked seasonally at the Beatrice Hunt-Wesson and Contadina canneries, and later for the EDD in Oakdale, before retiring.
Ruth lived by an unwavering sense of goodness. Whether volunteering at the local food bank, staffing election polling places, teaching swim lessons, or serving on various church committees, Ruth sought opportunities to help. She was a constant, cheering presence at band concerts, sporting events, and dance recitals, showing up for her own children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, at every stage of their lives. She loved music, long walks, gardening, lunches with her girlfriends, and singing in the church choir. Her faith was reflected not only in Sunday worship, but in a lifetime of compassion, generosity, and service to her family, friends, and neighbors.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Ron Cohagan; her children, Jennifer (Brian) Evans and Matthew (Jessica) Cohagan; four grandchildren, twins Madeline and Laurel Evans, and Jackson and Ethan Cohagan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luke and Hazel Johnson, and her siblings, Albert Johnson, Ethel Ritchey, Alice Johansen, David Johnson, and her twin brother, Richard Johnson.
A funeral service will be held at Saron Lutheran Church in Escalon on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. and refreshments will follow in the Saron social hall.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Aug. 12, 2026
