Ruth Clapp Gaines

Ruth Clapp Gaines, 95, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, after a long battle with dementia. A native of Alamance County, she was born October 10, 1926 to the late Lake Gladstone and Myrtle Lambert Clapp and was the wife of the late Walter Mack Gaines.

Ruth graduated from E.M. Holt school where she had perfect attendance the entire 12 years. She was voted the “class flirt” and anyone who knew her would not disagree with that title. Ruth also enjoyed traveling, especially back in the days when passengers dressed in their best to fly and her trip to Scotland, for her, was the trip of a lifetime. Ruth was a strong-willed, independent woman who dealt with any adversity with strength and grace. She was truly a member of the “Greatest Generation.”

Survivors include her daughter, Belinda Ricketts and husband Martin of Carolina Beach, NC; grandchildren, Regina Taylor, Jeff Henderson, Janice Rice, Mark Gaines (Heidi); great granddaughters, Hayley Whitlock, Alyssa Gaines, Ella Gaines; great great granddaughter, Luna Whitney; brother, Arnold Clapp and wife Margaret; sister, Sue Thaxton and many special nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Larry Mack Gaines, daughter, Tempy Kimrey and stepson Walter Mac Gaines.

A graveside service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery by Rev. Ron Philabaum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alamance Lutheran Church, 4008 NC-62, Alamance, NC 27201.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Trinity Grove Wilmington, NC for taking such good care of her, but especially the love they gave to her in her final months of life. You are all angels.