Club Spotlight

Legendary Idaho Republican memorialized as club she helped shape celebrates 25th anniversary

June 9, 2021

Idaho’s Kootenai County has long been recognized as one of the strongest Republican communities in the state.  Its roots are solid, thanks to people like Ruthie Johnson who dedicated her life to conservative values and freedom for all Americans.  Ruthie died on May 12, 2021, at age 96, leaving in her legacy a role in forming the largest Republican women’s club and three-time National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) National Diamond award winner for GOP and community service. 
February 2021 marked the 25th anniversary of Idaho’s Kootenai County Republican Women Federated (KCRWF).  Ruthie is credited with building momentum in northern Idaho and helping to grow the club in membership and influence.  KCRWF at its height was nearly 250-member strong.  Today, under the leadership of President Carla Mattare, the club is experiencing a resurgence and influx of new members.  Republican women in Kootenai County are following Ruthie’s lead.  They are energized and engaged!
Ruthie was a model Republican woman and freedom fighter.  Although extremely humble, she took pride in having attended 13 Republican National Conventions…sometimes as a delegate and always at her own expense.  She served as a precinct committee chairperson for more than half a century, spent 24 years as U.S. Sen. Jim McClure’s district assistant for northern Idaho, and was a conservative mentor to many.  
God’s blessings and peace to you, Ruthie Johnson.