Ruth Coates

Just two weeks shy of her 104th birthday, Ruth Elizabeth Simmons Coates died March 13, 2025 at Helena Square in Port Royal, SC.
Known for her quick smile and willingness to help, "Mimi" said at the Port Royal celebration of her century birthday that part of the secret to living to 100 was to "help someone Find someone or something every day that you can make better. It's the little things, but they are simple."
Born to Frank Simmons and Tessie Hill Simmons in Cross Hill, SC, on March 30, 1921, she started dancing in the family's living room at age three, and didn't really stop until she was in her late 90s. For years a member of the Beaufort Shag Club, Ruth stayed light on her feet and quick with her step.
Family was a keystone to her life. She and her late husband Jack had three children, Thomas Clayton Coates Sr., Jack Erskine Coates Jr., and the late Candace Coates Brown. Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and nieces and nephews helped fill family gatherings with joy. Ruth always was the centerpiece.
She traveled extensively while married to Jack due to his U.S. Navy service, including living in Morocco. Upon his retirement, they chose to live in the Beaufort-Port Royal area and put down deep roots with community involvement and volunteering.
Ruth was a longtime member of Port Royal United Methodist Church where she also sang in the choir and volunteered well into her 90s. She also belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution, which honored her at her 103rd birthday with a special declaration.
At family gatherings she typically shared wonderful stories of growing up with her sisters and enjoying summers at Folly Beach – filled with dancing, laughter and love.
She is survived by her sons Thomas Coates (Kitty) and Jack Coates, along with six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one daughter, Candy Coates Brown and one grandchild, Toni Coates Montondo.
The funeral will be Saturday, March 22, at 11 AM at Port Royal United Methodist Church.