Ruth (Abernethy) Gullick

Ruth Abernethy Gullick was one of twelve children born to the late Joseph Reid Abernethy and Margaret Allea Crowell Abernethy. She was born April 15, 1932, and passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 92.

Ruth was raised on a dairy farm in Charlotte NC, graduated from Oakhurst High School in 1950 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Christian education from Queens College in 1954. After graduation, Ruth accepted a position as Director of Christian Education at the First Presbyterian Church in Belmont NC where she met her future husband, John Andrew “Andy” Gullick. Ruth and Andy married on August 31,1957. After Andy’s graduation from Union Theological Seminary in 1959, Ruth supported her husband’s call to ministry at churches in Kearneysville, WV, Shepherdstown, WV and Keyser WV.

Her involvement in the church’s ministry was expansive including teaching Bible study, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, sharing in and contributing to mission and community service projects, and serving on the Committee on Ministry for Shenandoah Presbytery in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Ruth and Andy moved to Victoria, Texas in 1993 at the time of his retirement to reside closer to their daughter and family. Ruth continued her service in the church as an Elder and Worship Committee Chair at Grace Presbyterian Church.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John Andrew Gullick, Jr., granddaughter Katherine Allea Hesse, sister Evelyn Robinette, brothers, Joe Abernethy Harrison Abernethy, Kenneth Abernethy, Gene Abernethy, Bill Abernethy, and Melvin Abernethy.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Margaret Hesse (Robert), granddaughter Morgan Hesse, grandson John-Ashton Hesse (Lindsay) great granddaughter Madison Kate Hesse, great grandson Luke Robert Hesse, brothers Charles Abernethy, Lee Abernethy (Adriana), Earl Abernethy (Kathy) and sister Sara Meissner (Greg).

Ruth was an accomplished homemaker and hostess, loving wife and mother, and doting grandmother and great grandmother. Ruth prioritized her faith, family and friends and left a legacy of love and service.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, Victoria, Texas. A reception will immediately follow the service in Tracy Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Presbyterian Church or Hospice of South Texas.