Ruth C Way

Mrs. Ruth Calcote Way of Lakeway, Texas, passed away at home on February 23, just days shy of her 87th birthday, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. She was surrounded by her family and the soothing tunes of Willie Nelson.

Ruth, daughter of the late Willie and Ruth Ann Calcote, was born March 6, 1939, in Lucien, Mississippi, the 10th of 11 children. She graduated from West Lincoln High School as Valedictorian at age 17. She attended Copiah-Lincoln Junior College for one year before marrying Joseph C. Way on April 26, 1957. She later attended the University of Arizona and eventually graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, in 1970. She truly enjoyed the years she spent teaching 2nd and 5th graders.

Ruth was an active partner in Joseph’s civilian ministry and Air Force chaplaincy throughout their many assignments across the US and abroad. She was an expert seamstress, gardener, and cook, widely known for her delicious sugar cookies, sweet potato pie, and sweet pickles, which she shared generously. Ruth was a tireless volunteer, filling whatever need arose, especially at the “Caring Place” in Georgetown, TX, where she worked for over 20 years until poor health forced her retirement.

Ruth is survived by Joseph, her husband of 68 years, two children, William (Karen) Way and Wanda (Michael) McGarry; two grandchildren, Matthew (Bridget) McGarry and Christine McGarry (Alex Hansen); and one great-grandson, Beckett McGarry Hansen. She is also survived by one sister, Dorothy Poole, sisters-in-law, Kay Calcote and Virginia Way and a host of nieces and nephews. Her devoted grand-dogs, Buster, Pepper and Honey will miss her greatly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 410 E. University Ave., Georgetown, TX, 78626 on Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 am. Reception to follow. Private interment will be at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 Fort Hood Street, Killeen, TX.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Arbor Terrace and Magnolia Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Ruth during her final days

In lieu of flowers please send memorial gifts to

The Caring Place

2000 Railroad Ave.

Georgetown, TX. 78626

or make a donation to a charity of your choice.