CARRUTHERS-JOHNSON

With sadness we announce the passing of Miriam Doreen Carruthers-Johnson (née Baur) of Red Deer, Alberta; a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Miriam passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 86 years. 

Miriam was born on September 20, 1939, in Edmonton, Alberta to Hans and Lydia (née Hahn) Baur, and was raised in the greater Edmonton area.  She was united in marriage to Al Carruthers on November 2, 1957, and together they raised four daughters, four sons, and over twenty-five foster children throughout the years.  While raising their family, they resided in Edmonton, Red Deer, and Blackfalds before finally settling in Sylvan Lake. 

Miriam and Al were involved in many business ventures together during their marriage, including:  several construction projects, owning rental properties, Rim Rock Resort at Gull Lake, Lakewood Golf Course, and the Sylvan Lake Marina.  They also owned and operated the Miss Mermaid Dinner Cruise on Sylvan Lake, where Miriam was the main chef for many years.  The roast beef dinner was her specialty, and her homemade salad dressing was a hit – which they bottled and sold separately.  The also owned and operated the Lost Harbor Inn.

During their “retirement” years, Miriam and Al spent 28 years in Juarez, Mexico with their charity, Operation Amigo.  During that time, they built many orphanages, schools, and churches.  They accomplished this feat by taking teams of workers from all around Canada, plus physically working very hard themselves, often taking up to five trips per year to achieve their goals.  Many lives were improved because of their generosity of time and money, and more importantly, their compassionate spirit.  Mexico will never be the same.  After the passing of Al, Miriam married Melvin “Mel” Johnson on November 16, 2021.

Miriam had a deep trust in her Saviour and friend, Jesus.  She had the honour of leading some of her children to Jesus.  Miriam was a lady of positivity. 

The following is a poem that was written for Miriam on her 85^th birthday:

Mom, you are one amazing Wonder Woman!

All that you’ve done and accomplished in these 85 years is quite extraordinary. 

Starting from a child who was often very sick, marrying young and raising a family of four boys and four girls, along with thousands of foster kids. 

On top of that, you kept a home; a place of care and love for all,

and you have been a gracious host to countless guests.

Your flexibility to go from one thing to another in your support for Dad with his many ventures, was phenomenal.  Also, what is phenomenal was you putting up with Dad! (ha, ha) 

You have been a loyal supporter to all your family, and several others too.

Mom, you’re one amazing Wonder Woman, and we are grateful to you for pouring many good things into our lives, whether recognized or not! 

You have an incredible resilience in life, a strong faith in God, and you always pray!

We are happy for you, Mom, to have found a new love and husband in Mel.

 You regularly say, “The Lord has blessed me with a very good man” … and we agree.

Thank you for giving all that you did and could.  You weren’t perfect, but God loves you perfectly. 

We celebrate you for who you are and we honour you as the mother, who God in his wisdom, chose for us.

 Mom, you are one amazing Wonder Woman.

   Miriam will be remembered by her loving and servant-hearted husband of four years, Mel.  She will also be forever remembered and missed by her eight children Sugar (Willy) Goertzen, Patti Brady, Wendy (Ray) Block, Perry (Cathy) Carruthers, Tim (Laurie) Carruthers, Darcy (Susan) Carruthers, Amelia Carruthers, and Roger (Lori) Carlson; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Miriam is additionally survived by her brother Harry and her sister Mildred.  She was predeceased by her parents, and her husband Al.

A Family Graveside Service in Celebration of Miriam’s Life will be held at the Bentley Cemetery, Bentley, Alberta on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with the Reverend Kelly Johnson presiding.  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Service and Burial Arrangements for the Late Miriam Doreen Carruthers-Johnson (née Baur) entrusted to the care of