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Ruth Holmes, 83, of Bexar County, TX, passed away on February 2nd. A woman of remarkable grace and spirit, she spent her life surrounding herself with beauty, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved. In her youth, Ruth’s natural elegance led her to a short career as a model. However, this cultivated a lifelong appreciation for aesthetics and style. As a daughter of a Navy family and later the wife of a Navy sailor, she was a true citizen of the world. While living overseas, she shared her creative talents by decorating cakes, becoming well known for her delicious artistry. This worldly perspective and "keen eye" for detail later defined her successful career in jewelry sales. She had a unique gift for recognizing artistry in a gemstone and helping others find the perfect piece to mark their own life milestones. For Ruth, beauty - whether in a cake or a diamond - was about the craftsmanship and the deep sentiment it carried. Above all, Ruth was defined by her extraordinary kindness. She was the person who would drop everything at a moment’s notice, traveling any distance to be at the bedside of a sick or dying family member. That same devotion was felt at home, where she was the heart of every celebration, taking great joy in cooking elaborate holiday meals for her family. Her compassion extended to all living things; a "rescuer" in the truest sense, Ruth was a great lover of animals and was never known to turn away a stray. Her home was often a sanctuary for dogs and cats who had nowhere else to go, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will be remembered by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her mother Jane, her husband Donald, and her sister Sara. She is survived by her children Lorenzo (Debbie), Rhonda, Sarah, and Don (Nicole), her grandchildren, Skyler, Renee (Dontè), James, Ashley (Tim), Paul, Catherine (Devon), Ryan and Alex, her great-grandchildren Madison, Edward, Sarah, Calypso, Parker, Emma, and a community of friends and neighbors who will miss her warmth and sharp wit. The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at First Choice Assisted Living and Suncrest Hospice in Chesapeake, VA for their compassionate care and support during her final journey. A viewing for friends and family will be held at Mission Park South (1700 SE Military Dr., San Antonio, TX) on February 15th from 5 - 8pm. A graveside burial service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, in San Antonio, Texas, on February 16th at 9:30am. Following the service, she will be laid to rest where she will be honored in a place of peace and reflection, returning to the military community that was such a central part of her life's journey.

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Ruth Holmes

June 30, 1942 - February 2, 2026