Ruth Kratzer Sims

Our mother and nana, Ruth Kratzer Sims, 97, of Bronte and formerly of Pampa, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 13, 2020, surrounded by family and very special caregivers at Bronte Health & Rehab in Bronte. 

Services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel in Pampa, with Lee Cornelison, officiating.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Pampa, under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.

Ruth was born September 23, 1922 in Burkburnett to Palmer Brady and Mary Lydia Kratzer.  She was reared in Lefors where she attended school.  She married her high school sweetheart, Howard Sims, on December 24, 1942 while he was on leave from the U. S. Coast Guard.  They lived in Galveston where he was stationed.  When Howard was stateside, they took full advantage of many activities in Galveston, as well as other areas of the Gulf Coast.  Their love of the area was such that they returned many times over the years.  Ruth and Howard had two daughters, Patricia (Trisha) and Virginia.  After Howard was discharged from the military, they moved to Pampa where they made their home.  They were active in many church activities at First Baptist Church in Pampa for over 50 years until Howard’s death, and where Ruth continued her membership. 

Survivors include her daughters, Patricia Gotcher and husband Jim, and Virginia Leonard and husband Larry; her granddaughter, Kami McKissack and husband Eric and their children Kody and Kyleigh McKissack; her grandson, Lance Leonard; and many very special nieces and nephews. 

Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Mildred Pierce and Dorothy Bryant; a nephew, John Pierce Hazel; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold and Jeanne Sims, Bill and Lavelle Sims, and Wayne and Donna Sims. 

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Ruth’s “girls” at Bronte Health & Rehab who went above and beyond in her care.  They will always hold a special place in the hearts of her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 621, Pampa, Texas 79066-0621; or a charity of choice.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, January 17, 2020, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors in Pampa.