Ruth Gatchell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, at the age of 76. She was born on September 5, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Bernard Tompkins and Ruth Elizabeth (Brown) Tompkins. Ruth grew up in Severna Park, Maryland, where she graduated from high school before attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Ruth's life took a joyful turn when she met her future husband, James Kip Gatchell, on a blind date on November 8, 1969. The couple married in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1971, beginning a journey filled with love and cherished moments. They were blessed with two sons, Sean, born in 1973, and Scot, born in 1976.
Professionally, Ruth wore many hats—first working as an accountant, then as a real estate agent, before dedicating herself fully to her family as a loving mother. Ruth was known for her strong maternal instincts and her remarkable ability to keep her growing boys in line, often with just a motherly glare that could bring even the most mischievous child to their duty.
Ruth had a love for cruises and especially visits to Greece, Maui, and the Mediterranean. She was a talented gardener, creating beautiful gardens that were not only a feast for the eyes. Ruth’s green thumb was only rivaled by her love of cooking, and she especially enjoyed preparing meals and treats for her family. Among her most cherished traditions was making gingerbread houses with her grandchildren—each one an edible work of art, crafted with love and laughter.
Ruth’s greatest pride and joy in life were her grandchildren: Aria, Ian, Kendall, T.J., and Catelyn. She loved taking care of them and sharing her home cooking with them. Ruth’s love extended to animals, particularly dogs, and the family always had at least two dogs by their side, each one treated as a cherished member of the family.
Ruth will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a constant source of warmth, strength, and kindness, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Ruth is survived by her beloved husband, Kip Gatchell of Plano, Texas; sons, James Sean Gatchell and wife, Allison of Prairie Village, Kansas and Scot Tyler Gatchell and wife, Christy of Plano, Texas; grandchildren, Aria Jane, James Ian, Kendall Elzabeth, Tyler James, and Catelyn Victoria; fur baby, Bonnie; and numerous other loving family members and cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a host of fur babies who were awaiting her arrival in heaven.
The family will receive friends during a memorial visitation on Saturday afternoon, November 30, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Turrentine- Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.