Ruth Gass Maple, daughter of the late Napoleon and Alean Jenkins Gass, was born February 14, 1948 in Sumter, South Carolina.

Ruth was a member of Antioch United Methodist Church where she served faithfully in various capacities, including President of the United Women in Faith, member of the Financial Committee, Advisor to the Usher Board, and a member of the Older Adult Ministry.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1966, Ruth served for a time in the United States Marine Corp, receiving an honorable discharge to care for her younger brothers and sisters upon the passing of their mother. She then continued her education at Morris College and received her Master of Education from Cambridge University.

An educator at heart, Ruth taught math at various schools including North Charleston, Burke, Hillcrest, and Lakewood High Schools. She also taught adult education in Clarendon County and taught youth offenders at Turbeville Correctional Center.

Ruth enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and helping in any way she could.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her grandparents, Corine Jenkins Peterson, Edward Jenkins, Prettie Gass, and Baxter Gass.

Ruth Gass Maple was called to eternal rest on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Those she leaves to cherish her precious memories include her daughter, Douala A. Long; two sisters, Loretta G. (Tony) Friday and Pamela G. White, both of Sumter; five brothers, Leroy Gass of Hillside, NJ, Napoleon Edward (Aniste) Gass, Larry J. Gass, Lorenzo (Lynette) Gass, and Haley Gass, all of Columbia, SC; two aunts, Delores Young of Syracuse, NY, and Ruby Oakes of Irvington, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.