Ruth Gates

Ruth Gates, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, in Long Beach, California. Born on May 29, 1944, in Houston, Texas, Ruth lived a life that exemplified kindness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Born Dorothy Ruth Horcher, known affectionately as Ruth, she was valedictorian of her high school class before earning her undergraduate degree at UC Riverside and her master's degree at CSU Long Beach. In 1968, Ruth married Duane Gates and they had two children. She was a credentialed teacher and spent many years of her working life as an ESL teacher with the Hacienda La Puente School District, where she taught adults English. Through her years of service, she touched countless lives with her passion for teaching and her compassionate nature. Her personal philosophy was centered around treating people with kindness, a principle that guided her interactions and contributions throughout her career and beyond.

An avid lover of nature and the arts, Ruth found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed long walks in natural surroundings (parks, local mountains) and cherished attending concerts and musical events in her community. These interests not only brought her happiness but also provided her with many cherished memories that she would share with friends and family. Daily happiness came from being a "cat mom" and she cared for one (or more) cats throughout her entire life.

Among Ruth's proudest moments was her role as a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren—Nicole, Daniel, Daphne, Josephine, Elliott, and Phoebe—and relished every moment spent in their company. They were the source of her greatest joy, and her legacy of love continues through them.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, David Gates and Darren Gates, daughter-in-law Julie, and six grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brothers, who spent so many moments with her over the years--Charles and Paul Horcher, and nieces and nephews Kimberley, Pauline, Jennifer, Jessica, George, and Sarah.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy “Dot” Horcher and George Horcher, whose love and devotion influenced her warm-hearted nature and nurturing demeanor.

A Funeral Service in honor of Ruth will be held on August 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn - Cypress - Hope Chapel, located at 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630. Friends and family are warmly invited to gather and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman whose presence touched so many.

Ruth Gates will be deeply missed. Her kind spirit and gentle nature remain alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.