It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss, that the Alamo Area Council is ready to share about the untimely passing of our beloved friend, Ruthie Gates. Ruthie, cherished wife of Jason Gates, the AAC’s Field Service Director, leaves behind an admirable legacy of love and kindness through her husband, and their three remarkable daughters, and adoring granddaughter. Despite facing numerous health challenges in recent months, Ruthie’s resilient spirit remained a testament to her positivity and unwavering faith until early Friday morning, when she slipped away peacefully.
Those who knew her would say that Ruthie possessed an extraordinary gift for making connections. To her, strangers were simply friends she hadn’t met yet. Her gentle smile and warm demeanor radiated kindness, forever changing the lives around her. This same spirit of generosity extended not only to her immediate family but also to the broader Scouting community – though many are unaware of the full extent of her efforts. Ruthie’s unwavering support of her husband’s professional endeavors in Scouting continues to enrich the lives of countless children over his tenure. Raised in a family steeped in Scouting tradition, and participating in Scouting as a youth herself, Ruthie deeply understood our mission’s significance and embraced her role in advancing it throughout her life. As you might imagine, the impact her life has had for Texas youth over her decades of support is immeasurable.
Though we are devastated by her passing, when we reflect on Ruthie’s life, we find solace in the moments she shared with each of us. She took every opportunity to encourage those around her, and her absence will be felt for a long time. However, we know that precious memories of her linger in the void, softly echoing the virtues of family, friendship, the profound significance of compassion. Her spirit will continue to encourage us every day to be the best versions of ourselves, and to live a life in service to others.
A meal train has been started to support the Gates family during this time, and those who wish to participate are welcome to by visiting https://mealtrain.com/6zzqly. Service details can be found at https://ow.ly/hrCx50Rur8S.