Obituary of Ruth Dianne Johnsen, 85
January 1, 1940 – July 1, 2025
– Ruth ‘Dianne’ Johnsen, beloved mother, sister, wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on July 1, 2025, at the age of 85.
Born on January 1, 1940, Dianne was the daughter of Acie Victor ‘Debs’ Eugene Thompson and Ethel Agnes ‘Aggie’ Thompson (Rolin). She was also a beloved stepdaughter of Manuel Allen.
During World War II, Dianne moved with her parents to Oakland, California, where her parents contributed to the war effort at the shipyard; her mother, Aggie, proudly served as a Rosie the Riveter. As a child, Dianne was a true tomboy, full of energy and mischief, racing through the neighborhood, playing kick the can, jacks, and inventing games with her cousin Janie. Her dad affectionately called her his ‘little punkin’—a nickname that perfectly captured her sweet, bright, and luminous nature. In 1953, Dianne relocated to Bakersfield, to live with her father.
She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1958. It was there that she met the love of her life, Roland Johnsen, whom she married in 1958. Dianne had a fulfilling career and retired from Pacific Telephone. After retirement, Dianne enjoyed painting, making ceramics, gardening, playing with her dogs, doing genealogy, and spending time with her family.
Dianne was a radiant presence, always full of laughter. She lit up every room with her constant smile, warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit. Dianne possessed a beautiful ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and loved.
Whether you were family or a friend, you felt important in her presence. Her smile was unwavering, her heart generous, and her spirit gentle yet strong.
Dianne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roland Johnsen, and her brothers, Victor ‘Tommy’ Thompson and Manuel ‘Shacky’ Allen.
She is survived by her sons, Scott Johnsen and his wife Ruth, and Neil Johnsen and his wife Cindy. Dianne was a cherished grandmother to Devin Johnsen and her partner Riley, and Jacob ‘Scott’ Johnsen and his partner Katie.
She was a loving great-grandmother to Nathan, Kyle, Ashlyn, Emmett, Greyson, Ryland, Hayley, and Rooney. She is also survived by her brother, Robert ‘Bob’ Thompson, his wife, Lou Thompson, and her sister, Mary ‘Terry’ Allen.
While she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, joy, and connection lives on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Services
*July 11, 2025*
11:00 am Funeral at Chapel of the Roses
3450 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
12:15 pm Reception at Chapel of the Roses
3450 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
*July 12, 2025*
9:00 am Burial at Pine Mountain Cemetery
1 Cemetery Road
Atascadero, CA 9342
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