Heaven gained another angel on April 26, 2024 when Lillian Ruth Gates was called home. Ruthie, as her family and friends knew her, was born in 1977 in Brownsville, Texas, where she would live and go on to meet her husband, and love of her life, Jason A. Gates. She is preceded in death by her father: Alfonso X.Soto, Sr. †; Paternal Grandparents: Jose Antonio Soto, Sr. † and Julia Levrier Soto†; Maternal Grandparents: Apolonio (Polo) Martinez, Jr.† and Lillian Ruth Childress- Martinez†; as well as her father-in-law Robert R. Gates, Jr †, Paternal Aunt Mary Soto-Vitello †,Uncle Daniel Vitello †, and Paternal Uncle Jose Antonio Soto, Jr..
Ruthie is survived by her husband, Jason A. Gates, her daughters, Ileana Ruth Gates (David Hammond), Karen Elizabeth Gates, Julia Alexis Gates, her first grandchild Emily Ruth Hammond, her brothers Alfonso X. Soto, Jr. (Eunice), Jose Antonio Soto II (Sheeran, Tony, Alfonso), and her mother Neida Ruth Soto-Grantland (Robert).
Ruthie was a member of International Christian Church while growing up in Brownsville. Upon her marriage to her husband, Jason, both became members of Central Christian Church. As a Professional Scout with Boy Scouts of America, each promotion took Jason and his family to a new location. Subsequently Ruthie resided in Harlingen, Plainview, and Round Rock, Texas before settling in San Antonio until the present time.
Children were drawn to Ruthie like magnets which resulted in her going into the field of Early Childhood Development. She was Owner and Director of Open Gates Learning Center in Brownsville, Texas, and Director of Learning Centers in Round Rock, and San Antonio, Texas. Ruthie put her heart and soul into childcare which resulted in her last assignment in San Antonio becoming her greatest success. In a matter of about six months Ruthie and her staff managed to take a school that was low in enrollment and lacking National and Rising Star certifications to a vibrant, Nationally Certified and Rising Star designated pre-school and after school program.
Although there were difficult times in her life, Ruthie found joy in every moment she could. She loved to craft, go on road trips, and spend time with family any chance she got. Not only was Ruthie an amazing friend, daughter, sister, “Tia,” wife, and mother but she was truly a loving and courageous woman, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her can attest to that.
2 Timothy 4:7 says: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” Ruthie’s motto was “I won’t worry until I have to and I’ll just keep on praying.” Diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of six, she began the hardest fight she’d have to endure, but thanks to the Diabetic program at the Texas Lion’s camp, she learned that she was going to manage her diabetes, live a happy life and that she was not alone. Many thanks to Dr. Ponder, The Texas Lion’s Camp, and the many lifelong friends she made there.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff who did everything they could to keep her well throughout her journey. There were many nurses during the past several months who gave their all to keep her comfortable. The family is also thankful that God was the center of strength for the entire family and God will remain.
A Celebration of Life is being held on May 18, 2024 at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604, San Antonio, TX. Visitation with family starting at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am.
Additionally, a Celebration of Life will be held on May 25, 2024 at Central Christian Church, 1100 E. Alton Gloor, Brownsville, TX. at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall of the church.
The family would like to thank the many friends who prayed for Ruthie. They request that you please consider making a donation to the Texas Lion’s Camp in the name of Lillian Ruth Gates. The link is (https://tinyurl.com/RuthieGates)
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