Ruth Catherine Matthews Gilmore, 99, of Austin, Texas left her earthly home on January 13, 2021 with her daughters Nancy and Liz by her side at St. David’s Round Rock. She wanted to make it to 100, but her aorta and heart prevented that. She surprised us all in her sudden passing, because she seemed to be in such good health.
She was born to Chester Cecil Matthews and Minnie Ora Fite in Spur, Texas. She spent most of her early years in Lovington, NM before returning to the Texas Panhandle, and after a brief time in California, eventually landed in Austin in 1954. She was a career woman ahead of her time, working as a med tech, radiologic technologist, and an instructor at Concordia Lutheran University. She then retired from Austin Community College as an executive secretary.
Ruth’s greatest passion in her spare time was dancing, which she did for most of her life. Even into her 70s and 80s she participated in ballroom dance competitions, and continued to dance into her 90s at least weekly until COVID restrictions prevented it. She wowed many at the Conservatory and Senior Activity Center off Lamar Blvd with her graceful presence on the dance floor. She had a quiet faith all of her life, and attended The Church at the Conservatory in her later years.
Ruth is predeceased by William Taylor, Carl Steyer, George Gilmore, and a few other spouses. She was an optimistic, adventurous, courageous and loveable person to all. She is survived by her daughters Margery Sue Lowrey (Joplin, MO), Nancy Ruth Taylor (Georgetown, TX), and Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Laurence (Austin, TX). She has 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. Garland Virden (100), her faithful and supportive beau of several years, is also considered an important part of her life and family.
Ruth will have a private family interment of ashes at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks in Pflugerville, Texas. We hope to have a celebration of life this summer with all her family and friends as permitted at that time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Retina Research Foundation or the Retina Foundation of the Southwest.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18