Ruth Ann Moffatt Leach, 93, passed away on September 14, 2024, in League City, TX.  She was born on July 28, 1931, in Berkeley, CA to Paul and Marie Moffatt.   Ruth and her brother, Conrad, lived their early years through the Great Depression and World War 2.  She spoke fondly of the Victory Garden they planted and animals they raised during the war.  Upon high school graduation she enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley.  It was there that she met the love of her life and father of her 5 children, K. Stephen Leach (Steve).  Her blind date was set up by mutual friends who felt they were a perfect match.  She talked of being enamored with Steve immediately.  Once Steve graduated, they married and moved to Washington State for a brief time before moving back to the San Francisco Bay Area.  Steve was later transferred with Shell Chemical to New Jersey, eventually ending up in their permanent home in Clear Lake Forest in Taylor Lake Village, Texas.

Ruth was first and foremost a mother and wife.  Her love and joy for her family was evident to all who knew her.  Her gift of hospitality wasn’t limited to her family.  She was known to include anyone who didn’t have family in her holiday celebrations.  She and Steve enjoyed playing Bridge with friends, traveling, and planning the annual Leach family reunion each year in Galveston, TX.  Ruth also enjoyed working outside the home using her creativity in embroidery and sewing.  She worked for a season at Stretch and Sew teaching classes. Some of her best friendships were nurtured during that time.  Of course, Ruth, developed deep friendships wherever she went.  Whether it was through church, the neighborhood or through work, she was deeply loved by all who knew her.

After Steve’s death, she devoted the next ten years to her family and friendships. One day, while walking in the mall, she met John Vandervort. They began dating and eventually married.  John and his family became a wonderful addition to her already full life. The Leach family adored John, and the Vandervort family cherished Ruth. They enjoyed ten years together before John’s passing, during which John was a devoted caretaker and supporter for Ruth as she battled cancer.

About three years ago Ruth moved to The Crossings Retirement Community.  She met many wonderful friends there.  The family would like to thank the staff of The Crossings for the amazing care and love they showed to our mother up until the very end.

Ruth leaves behind a large family who will miss her terribly.  Debbie is her oldest daughter. Debbie and her husband, Geary Smith have two children, Colin and Cayce.  Colin is married to Anna and they have children Steven, Sophie, Kate & Jack.  Ruth’s second daughter, Sheryl is married to Charles Kuhfeldt.  Their children are Matthew, Lisa Marie, Lisa Danielle & Geoff.  Lisa Marie is married to Andy Jordan and their children are Dharma, Ian & Kai.  Lisa Danielle Kuhfeldt is married to Brian Lewis and their son is Jack.  Ruth’s third daughter is Susan who is married to Chris Estes .  They have two sons, Brooks & Christian and one daughter, Morgan.  Christian is married to Sarah and their children are Lukas & Cory.  Morgan is married to Alex Carberry and their daughter is Mackenzie.  Ruth’s twin sons are Mark and Mike.  Mark (deceased) and his first wife Penny (deceased) have two daughters, Lauren and Kristen.  Mark remarried his second wife, Sharon, with son Ryan who is married to Whitney and have son Weston and daughters Emma and Josie.   Mike and his wife, Diana have two daughters, Stephani and Cami.  Stephani is married to Josh Connell and they have two sons, Thomas (deceased), Michael, and daughter, Ruthie (named after our mother, Ruth).  Cami is married to Kevin McKeon and they have 2 daughters, Lucy and Abigail.

Ruth is also preceded in death by her husband, K. Stephen Leach, father of all 5 children and second husband, John Vandervort, as well as her son, Mark, daughter-in-law, Penny, and great-grandson, Thomas.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11am at Webster Presbyterian Church, 201 W. Nasa Rd. 1, Webster, TX 77598.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate any size donation on behalf of Ruth M. Leach be made to Hope Family Care Ministries.  Their ministry is special to our family because they support families who have experienced the untimely loss of a child. Donations can be mailed to:

Hope Family Care Ministries Inc.

10107 Mahaffey Road

Tomball, TX 77375

Or given online at:   https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/HopeFamilyCare/general