Ruth Eleanor Yates, age 89 of Burgaw, passed peacefully Tuesday May 24, 2022 at The Laurels of Pender.

She was born June 23, 1932 in Manatee County, Florida, daughter of the late Claflin and Ruth Mosier Garst. She was also predeceased by her husband, DeWitt Yates: sister, Mary Sheppard; and brother, Claflin Garst Jr.

She is survived by her son, Robert Yates of Ormond Beach, FL; daughter, Elizabeth Yates Barnard and husband Charles of Raleigh; two granddaughters, Caroline Barnard and Grace Barnard; niece and nephew, Lynn Sheppard-Carter and Greg Sheppard; and numerous cousins.

Ruth was a member of Burgaw Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Florida State University and was a member of the FSU Alumni Association. Ruth was Orange Bowl Queen in 1952 and a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Following college, Ruth enjoyed working on Capitol Hill for Florida Senator George Smathers. Her passions included family, time with her grandchildren, playing bridge, horseback riding, genealogy, bird watching, and her pets.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 PM Saturday June 4, 2022 at Harrell's Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Will Davis will officiate. The family will receive friends after the service. A private family inurnment will be at Burgaw Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Burgaw Presbyterian Church.