Ruthanne Gates

Ruthanne Eldridge Gates, 67, passed away December 29, 2016. Born March 10, 1949 in Monmouth, IL, she was the daughter of the late Keith W. and Maxine Turnbull Eldridge. At age 5, Ruthanne’s family moved to Ontario, CA where she attended Chaffey High School and Girls Collegiate. She also attended Chaminade University in HI. On November 23, 1965, Ruthanne married her high school sweetheart, William T. Gates. She worked in the medical field for many years but her primary focus was always on her family. Ruthanne was a good athlete in her youth and enjoyed swimming, tennis, hiking and fly fishing. She was a volunteer coach for her children’s tennis and soccer teams. She was an avid Gamecock fan. Ruthanne was well travelled having lived in 9 states and Japan. She enjoyed travel, visiting 11 countries. Her favorites were Southern France, England, Italy and South Africa. After their retirement, Ruthanne and her husband shared time between their homes in Greenville and Pawleys Island, SC. Ruthanne was a member of Belin United Methodist Church in Murrels Inlet, SC. Ruthanne loved babies and dogs. She could not pass one on the street without stopping to cuddle them. She loved her family and her rescue dogs Jake and Number Two. She adored her friends and rewarded them with love and loyalty. Ruthanne was intelligent, witty, humorous and successful in all things she attempted. She had a positive influence on those that knew her and made the world a better place. We are all much better for having her in our lives. Surviving, in addition her husband of 51 years, Bill; are her son, Bryan D. Gates, of Greenville; her daughter, Caryn L. Gates, of Charleston; her grandsons, Tristen and Kai Gates of Petosckey, MI; her sisters, Karen Bohn, of Salinas, CA, and Jennifer Bonynge, of Eugene, OR; and her brother, Dr. Maxwell Eldridge, of Everson, WA. A memorial service and celebration of Ruthanne’s life will be held at Belin UMC in Murrels Inlet at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to All4Paws animal shelter where Ruthanne rescued her beloved dog, Jake; 708 Petigru Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. The Mackey Mortuary. Online guest registry available at www.mackeymortuary.com