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Ruth In Loving Memory of Ruth Rieb Gatewood April 17, 1917 - March 26, 2004 "Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph love you and so do I." Those were the words our dear Mother frequently imparted to us verbally or in ending a letter. It was her little way of gently reminding us of what is truly important in this life. Mother died as she lived, resigned to the Holy Will of God and persevering to the very last. Ruth was born in St. Francis, Kansas to Nina May Deal and Gustav Rieb. As a child, Ruth's family made their home in New Mexico. Ruth was a lifelong New Mexican with the exception of some years that were spent in Long Beach and San Diego. Ruth attended Albuquerque High School where she excelled in academics, music and basketball. She graduated in 1934 at the age of 16. She attended St. Joseph's School of Nursing. During that time, she met and married an intriguing and handsome man by the name of Art Gatewood. Together, Ruth and Art became the parents of six children. Their family included, Art Jr., and wife, Darlene, Gloria Ann Hultine, James Allen, Linda Haughey and husband, Chuck, Robert and wife, Frances, and Phillip and his wife, Kim. Mother loved her family very much and was especially thankful for all of her children; 18 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Mother was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Jimmy and Artie; and sisters, Roma, Mildred and Margaret. Ruth was a dedicated wife and mother. Her love of God, family, friends and helping others meant everything to her. She was known for her vibrant personality, beautiful and engaging smile, her tenacity, self-discipline, compassion and love of others. The greatest gift she gave her family was in living her faith and teaching us to persevere. Our family is deeply grateful to the religious, family, friends, acquaintances, caregivers and others in the medical professions who so lovingly made a difference in her life. God bless you all. If she were able to, she would ask that you please continue to pray for her soul, as she will be praying for you. Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph love you Mama, and so do we. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Rio Rancho on Saturday, April 3, at 1:00 p.m. and the Rosary will be at 12:30 p.m. before Mass. Interment will be at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque. A viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. at Strong Thorne Mortuary in Albuquerque on Saturday, April 3, 2004.
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