Barbara Ruth Gatewood

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Barbara Ruth Gatewood (Martin), who went home to be with the Lord on January 31, 2026, at the age of 88.

Barbara was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and went on to build a life centered around love, family, faith, and community. She was married to her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, Leonard Gatewood, for 58 wonderful years until his passing - a true partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and adventure. They were fortunate to pursue their passion of travelling the world together.

Together, Barbara and Leonard owned and operated their family business, Radio Supply, Inc., in Oklahoma City for over 20 years, building not just a company but lifelong relationships within the community. In 1998, the business continued with their son Gary.

She was a devoted and endlessly proud mother to four children: Donald Lee Gatewood (who preceded her in death in 1967), Gary Lynn Gatewood and his wife Chele, Patti Lou Bollinger and her husband Tony, and Terry Lane Gatewood.

If you spent more than five minutes with Barbara, you knew all about her kids - because she bragged about them constantly and with pure joy. Their accomplishments, their families, and the people they had become were her greatest treasures.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Brooke Burwell and husband Keith, Heath Bollinger and wife Jessica, Anthony Palazzolo and wife Lindsay, Ben Palazzolo and wife Adrian, and Amanda Palazzolo - along with12 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved brother, James "Jimmy" Martin.

Barbara was loving, generous, kind, friendly, and accepting - the type of woman who never met a stranger. If you met her, chances are you received one of her famous hugs. She had a special gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and loved, especially those who needed a "mom" when they didn't have one or felt alone in the world.

Later in life, one of her proudest moments was volunteering on the Jim Roth for County Commissioner campaign. She also found deep meaning in participating with Free Mom Hugs, offering unconditional love, encouragement, and acceptance - something that came so naturally to her and perfectly reflected who she was.

Barbara's faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. One of her favorite scriptures was Jesus' commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37–39). She didn't just believe it - she lived it.

Though our hearts ache, we find comfort knowing she is reunited with her beloved Leonard and her son Donald, and that she is now resting in the presence of the Savior she loved so deeply.

Thank you to everyone who has loved her, hugged her back, laughed with her, and walked alongside our family through this season. Her love lives on through all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Yanda & Son Funeral Home, 1500 W. Vandament, Yukon, OK.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Barbara's honor to the Alzheimer's Association.