Ruth Ann Cathcart Byerly

1942 - 2025

Ruth Ann Cathcart Byerly, lovingly known as "Ruthie" to her family and friends, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on July 14, 2025, in Modesto, California. Ruth's unwavering spirit and strong faith touched countless lives during her remarkable journey.

Ruth was born in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts on January 1, 1942. Born into a large family, eventually Ruth and her youngest sister, Evelyn were raised together through the foster system. Ruth remained deeply connected to all of her brothers and sisters.

Evelyn and Helena Cathcart survive her, while Gertrude, Jeanette, Sally Ann, Carl, and Antoine preceded her in death. Foster brothers were Bobby and Jimmy Dubois, and Robert Owen. Ruth often spoke with enduring gratitude about her foster families, whose kindness, love, and introduction to faith shaped her entire life and inspired her walk with Jesus.

Ruth was the beloved wife of Clifford "Bill" Byerly, with whom she shared over 53 years of marriage, until Bill's passing in 2019. Their life together began with a wedding in Bangor, Maine on September 3, 1965, and was filled with adventure as Bill's Air Force career took them and their children to various corners of the world. Throughout their many postings, Ruth and Bill created a home filled with love and strong values, which they imparted to their children. She is survived by her son, Michael Byerly, and his wife, Tara, and by her daughter, Sonya Morgan, and her husband, Joe.

Ruth's greatest joy was being with her five beloved grandchildren and their families; Daniel and Miranda Keith along with children Ja'nelle, Ja'ron,and Victoria, Michael James and Rebecca Byerly with children Albert, Vivienne and Violet, Joseph and Alyssa Keith, Ezekiel Joseph and Alexis Byerly, and Samantha and Austin Keltner with daughter Seraphina. Ruth especially loved being "GiGi" to her seven great-grandchildren, always treasuring time with her growing family.

A life-defining event occurred when Ruth was four years old while recovering from a serious accident, the care and empathy of a devoted nurse left such a profound impression that Ruth resolved then to devote her professional life to nursing. Ruth persevered through her schooling, graduating from BMC Durfee High School in Fall River, MA. She continued her nursing education at Aurora College in Aurora, Illinois and then University of Maine. Ruth became a Registered Nurse and served faithfully for 38 years. She worked as a charge nurse, clinic supervisor, and nursing manager, earning respect for her excellence, dedication, and wisdom. With her kindness and presence, Ruth built countless deep friendships, and became a mentor to many in both her field, her church, and local communities.

Ruth's deep Christian faith was central to her daily life. A devoted member of Shelter Cove Community Church in Modesto, Ruth cherished her involvement with the Seniors in Action group and maintained close ties with cherished friends at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina, including members of the Khmu congregation. When her children were school age, Ruth led Good News Clubs and Five Day Clubs for neighborhood children through Child Evangelism Fellowship and joyfully supported missionaries and charitable causes around the world-if you knew Ruth, you knew you were on her prayer list.

A world traveler, Ruth collected souvenir spoons from her European adventures, walked daily to soak in the beauty of creation, and cherished music and worship. As an experienced nurse, Ruth traveled to Kiev, Ukraine, to share her medical expertise and assist in fundraising for critical medical supplies.

To those who knew her best, Ruth's laughter was unforgettable-her whole face would light up, eyes squeezing shut-her New England accent never dulled, and with friends and family her sarcastic sense of humor brought laughter. Always elegantly put together and ready to offer a kind word, prayer, or invitation to church, Ruth embodied a loving, steadfast spirit.

A Celebration of Life for Ruth will be held at 10 a.m. on September 13, 2025, at Shelter Cove Community Church, 4242 Coffee Rd., Modesto, CA 95357, in the Loft. All ages are welcome to gather and remember a life well-lived.

Ruth had memorized all of Psalm 139. This was one of her favorite parts of the passage:

*"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."* (Psalm 139:13–14).

Ruth Ann Byerly's love and legacy will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.