Johnnie Ruth Richie Little

JOHNNIE RUTH RICHIE LITTLE

1926 – 2026

Daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mom, employee, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and counselor are just some of the ways people will remember my mother. On Sunday, August 30, 2026, she peacefully left this Earth.

Johnnie Ruth was born in Milam County, Texas, on December 14, 1926, the fourth daughter of Ola Kirk Mills and John Hudson Mills. As their youngest girl arrived, they agreed to name her after her father, John. She always maintained that her name was Johnnie Ruth Naomi Mills, with her two middle names honoring aunts. Funny thing is, years and years of genealogical research never turned up anyone named Naomi or Ruth. Oh well, that's how family stories are passed down through the ages.

Johnnie lived a good, long life filled with adventure, love, hard work, and challenges. She grew up during the Depression, when life was lean and families learned to make do with what they had.

While attending Massey Business School, Johnnie boarded a train to Fort Smith, Arkansas, to marry Elgin Richie at Fort Chaffee. Soon thereafter, Elgin shipped off to serve his country, leaving behind his new wife and their unborn child.

When Elgin returned from his World War II service, he and Johnnie made their home in Port Houston, near family and friends. Jerry was nearly two years old when he finally met his dad upon Elgin's return from the war. A few years later, along came Gary Wayne, completing their family of four. Elgin, Johnnie, and their two boys enjoyed their home, family, friends, and their years of service at Faith Memorial Baptist Church.

As life changed in the neighborhood, Elgin decided it was time to move the boys away from the city. They purchased acreage in Cypress and began building their dream home. Friends thought Elgin had lost his mind, moving his family to five acres in the middle of nowhere.

In 1955, Johnnie was a passenger in a head-on car accident. After months in the hospital and multiple reconstructive surgeries, she finally came home to their new house on Jackrabbit Road. With Johnnie's recovery in mind, Elgin had the builders complete the house and have everything unpacked before she came home from the hospital.

She often talked about how quiet and empty life felt during those days—with Elgin at work and the boys at school. She looked forward to seeing the postman each day, as there were no other cars on Jackrabbit Road.

Country living came naturally to Johnnie and Elgin. They wasted no time planting gardens and orchards, and chickens were not far behind. In later years, Elgin built a two-story barn that became his workshop, hay storage in the loft, and home to two stalls—one for Mom's future calf and one for the boys' horse.

Life soon became busy again when Johnnie became pregnant and a little girl was added to the family. Carol had health challenges that certainly kept Johnnie busy. When she returned to work a few years later, Johnnie joined Ram Forge & Steel as their secretary. She always enjoyed the looks she received

when salesmen opened the door expecting to meet a man named Johnnie. She would laugh and say, "I'm a girl, Johnnie," when they were hesitant about their meeting.

After the company moved to Navasota, she continued working part time. When the drive became too much, Elgin decided it was time for their next business venture—Country Fare. The meat market gave Johnnie a chance to sell her jams, jellies, pickles, and other homemade goodies. Mom loved having people to talk to, and her years at the store brought both joy and more health challenges. After years of standing on the concrete floor, doctors warned her of potential physical risks. So, in 1971, she returned to office work.

Johnnie had many happy and productive years at SEMCO, where she formed lifelong friendships. When she was ready to join Elgin in retirement, they decided it was time to look for a new place to call home, as FM 1960 was growing so quickly. During one of their road trips to explore different towns, they found a home in Bellville in 1983 that seemed to call their name. They lovingly restored portions of the house and grounds, and Johnnie always hoped she would remain there until she was called home to Heaven.

After Elgin passed away in 1997, Johnnie lived alone until one day a new churchgoer decided to court her. This was not something she expected, and she proceeded to nickname him "Trouble." She and Wenton Little married in 2004 and enjoyed eight years of laughter, antiquing road trips, and stories of years gone by. When Wenton passed away in 2012, Johnnie once again persevered and remained in her home.

In 2019, Johnnie's health began to decline, and she relied more on family members for help. In 2020, Carol came to help her mom after a hospital stay. When the pandemic closed local counties, Carol continued to stay with her, preparing her mom's favorite foods, serving them on her favorite china, and being a constant companion.

After another fall in 2022, Johnnie became homebound. She was surprisingly content to stay at home, often saying, "I've traveled enough!"

She eventually moved to Magnolia Assisted Living in Bellville, where she spent two years surrounded by caring staff and new friends. She truly enjoyed her time there and continued to share her stories, opinions, and sense of humor.

Johnnie is now in her well-earned and longed-for heavenly home, where she is reunited with many family members and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Addie Belle Wise, Margie "Pink" Miller Webb, and Nola "Tobe" Waltmon Golan; her first husband and lifelong love, Elgin Richie; her sons, Jerry Thomas Richie and Gary Wayne Richie; and many other family members and friends. A special reunion with friends Ivy, Jim, Dorothy, and Judy is certainly in store for her.

Left to remember Mom, Grandma, and Mimi are daughter Carol Richie Spencer; grandson Mark Richie (Kelly); granddaughters Dean Richie Marek, Jennifer Richie Masterson (Chris), Jolie Ruth Richie, and Victoria Rose Buhrmester Castle; eight great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

The family is especially grateful to her Bellville friends Lorene and Butch Henke, Clarence Fisher, and Paula Little, whose frequent visits brought companionship, comfort, and joy throughout the later years of her life. Johnnie also cherished her ongoing connections with friends from her professional years, especially Joan Metz and Charlie Tichenor.

A special thank you goes to the entire staff at Magnolia Assisted Living in Bellville for the loving care, kindness, and support they provided throughout her two years there. The family will always be grateful for the compassion and warmth they showed her.

The family is also deeply grateful to the caregivers at Holistic Care Management for the loving and compassionate care they provided, with special thanks to Lucy, Melissa, and Nicki for their dedication and personal care.

The Amedisys Hospice staff were a true blessing to Johnnie and her family during her final chapter. Their compassionate care, kindness, and support brought comfort to Johnnie and peace of mind to her family. The nurses, aides, chaplain, and social worker will always hold a special place in our hearts, and their dedication will never be forgotten.

Johnnie will be laid to eternal rest beside Elgin and her parents at Liberty Community Cemetery in Milam County. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time in Bellville.

In Mom's book, My Exciting Journey Through This Life, she wrote:

"The greatest thing I ever did in this life was to become a MOTHER. This was a serious undertaking for me and I relished every day of it, give or take a few."

She once asked me what I thought about it. My response was simple:

"You done good, Mom."

In lieu of flowers, please honor Johnnie Ruth by helping a neighbor, lending a hand to someone in need, or considering a memorial contribution to Liberty Community Cemetery Association, 6205 FM 3242, Cameron, TX 76520.

Johnnie's great-great-grandfather donated the cemetery property, and it was always a place of great comfort to her.