Mrs. Ruth Ann (Hollis) Gates, 77, of Bloxom, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 4, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
The eldest child of Jerry L. Hollis Sr. and Marjorie L. (Mock) Hollis, Ruth Ann was born on Aug. 27, 1948, in Washington, D.C. She graduated from James Madison High School in Vienna in 1966. After graduating from high school, Ruth Ann attended nursing school but chose a different health care path, working for several years as an EMT dispatcher. She married her firefighter husband, John C. Gates, in 1967, in Vienna.
Ruth Ann enjoyed many hobbies. She found delight in cooking for her family, trying new recipes, and sharing tried-and-true favorites. Everyone loved her homemade pies, cookies, and dinner rolls, recipes likely passed down from her own mother. She loved hosting holiday and family gatherings, including football games on Sundays and crab feasts at her home on the Shore. She and Johnny enjoyed camping and boating, as well as attending bluegrass festivals along the Eastern Seaboard. She was also an avid crafter, knitter, embroiderer, and quilter, and she was a member and officer of her local Embroiderers’ Guild chapter for many years.
However, Ruth Ann’s greatest joy was her only child, Michael. She and Johnny were Michael’s biggest fans, following him along a path filled with youth and high school baseball and encouraging his career in the culinary arts, a pursuit influenced by Ruth Ann’s own passion for food and entertaining.
In addition to her role as doting mother, Ruth Ann was a loving and nurturing aunt and caregiver. She loved her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She often welcomed the newborns with handknit sweaters, caps, and booties, and many of the children received customized knit Christmas stockings. The kids, young and old, always came first at family parties, as Aunt Ruthie made certain to have treats and/or small gifts for everyone.
Ruth Ann’s generous spirit spilled over into her work life, as well. She was the activities director at Nassawadox Rehabilitation and Nursing for 15 years, where she brought her gift of caring for others through seasonal decor, holiday crafting, and daily activities. She was thrilled to have a job she so enjoyed, and her enthusiasm for fun no doubt pleased her residents and colleagues.
Ruth Ann was a cherished mother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be missed by all who loved her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Johnny. She is survived by her son, Michael T. Gates and wife, Christy, of Bloxom; her brothers Jerry L. Hollis Jr., (Barbara) and Paul S. Hollis (Cheri); her sister-in-law, Donna Mason; her brother-in-law, Bill Gates (Andrea); and many nieces, nephews, and greats.
A GoFundMe has been set up in her honor to help defray final expenses. To donate, visit https://gofund.me/c07d0a0c5
