Ruth Hargrave Leonard

Ruth was born on October 25, 1929, to Maurice Paul Hargrave and Edna Elizabeth Hargrave. She often told people she was born on the day the stock market crashed, ushering in the Great Depression. Reflecting on her childhood, Ruth described it simply as “a life that had been good.”

She was raised by loving, soft-spoken, and patient parents and shared a close bond with her supportive older brother, Paul. Ruth treasured memories of visiting relatives in Galveston and on the family farm near Midlothian, Texas. She fondly recalled riding bicycles to the beach with friends in Galveston and helping with farm chores, including milking cows, feeding pigs, and even picking cotton, though she joked it was only for about five minutes. Despite enjoying those experiences, Ruth remained a city girl at heart.

Ruth attended Montrose Elementary School in Houston and graduated from Lamar High School with the Class of 1947. She then attended the University of Houston, where she became socially active, developed many lifelong friendships, pledged a sorority, and eventually served as chapter president.

In the spring of 1950, Ruth met the love of her life, Lee Edward Leonard, at the University of Houston. Their courtship led to marriage on May 4, 1951, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Houston.

After their marriage, Ruth worked as a switchboard operator at Shell Research Laboratory in Houston. Ed's career with United States Steel took the young couple to several cities during their early years together. Their first move was to Birmingham, Alabama, followed by Lubbock, Texas, before they eventually returned home to Houston.

In 1968, Ruth and Ed moved their family to Richmond, Texas. The transition from city life to the countryside was not always easy, as she missed having nearby neighbors and friends. On occasion, she would lovingly ask one or two of her children if they wanted to stay home from school to keep her company.

Ruth's greatest joy was her family. As the mother of four children, she spent countless hours attending Little League games, Fun Football events, Brownies and Blue Bird meetings, and family hunting trips. She delighted in cooking for family and friends and was happiest when hosting holiday meals and gatherings that brought loved ones together around her table. A proud fifth-generation Texan, Ruth was also a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Following the family's move to Richmond, they became active members of Calvary Episcopal Church, where they worshiped for many years.

An accomplished bridge player, Ruth devoted many afternoons to preparing for and hosting bridge groups. She loved her children and grandchildren deeply and generously gave her time, attention, and encouragement to each of them.

Ruth and Ed shared 46 years of marriage until his passing in November 1996. Following his death, she continued to lead a vibrant and independent life filled with treasured friendships, social activities, and devoted support of her family.

Those who knew Ruth will remember her gentle spirit, patience, quiet strength, and enduring kindness. Like her parents, she was soft-spoken and caring. One of her caregivers beautifully described her near the end of her life:

“She was wonderfully strong-willed, witty, kind, and patient.”

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice Paul Hargrave and Edna Hargrave; her beloved husband, Lee Edward Leonard; her brother, Paul Hargrave; her son, Steven Edward Leonard; and her great-granddaughter, Smokey Marie Davis.

She is survived by her children, Ben Alan Leonard; Carole Davis and her husband, Donnie; and Scott Leonard and his wife, Tammy.

Ruth also leaves behind a cherished family of grandchildren: Katelyn Sullivan and her husband, Tyler; Jake Davis and his wife, Rachelle; Brettney Bradley and her husband, Key; Cade Davis and his wife, Amanda; Matthew Leonard; Mason Leonard; Mitchell Leonard; Morgan Black and her husband, Josh; and Zane Felt and his wife, Violet.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: William Sullivan; Taylor Davis and his wife, Cambrie; Trace Davis; Emma Davis; Titus Davis; Juliet Davis; Tatum Davis; Brooks Bradley; Blaire Bradley; Blythe Bradley; Bellamy Bradley; Brighton Bradley; Morgan Davis; Charles Davis; Halle Davis; Skylar Black; Savannah Black; Sawyer Black; and Rowdee Felt. She was also blessed with a great-great-granddaughter, Dally Rae Davis.

Ruth's love, strength, and devotion to her family will live on through the generations she leaves behind. Her memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

Ruth's life was marked by faith, family, friendship, kindness, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her and carried forward by the generations she loved so deeply.

Services celebrating the life of Ruth Hargrave Leonard will be announced at a later date.