Ruth Hilda Gates (née Wieslander) was born on May 16, 1921 in Alameda, CA to the late Albert Everett Wieslander and Grace Veeder Holmes.  Ruth, better known as Barbara to her friends and family, grew up with two siblings, Grace and Everett.  After a life well lived, Barbara, passed away at Crown Bay Rehabilitation Center in Alameda on August 1, 2017 at 96 years young.  She was an eternal optimist.  Barbara is survived by her children, Bill Gates and Sharon Johnston; grandchildren, Mike and Rob Johnston; and great grandchildren Mike Junior, Lily, Wesley and Lincoln.

While serving in the U.S. Air Force during WWII, her brother Everett was killed during a practice run.  Barbara also served during WWII in the U.S. Navy as a photographer and a journalist.  Sadly, her sister Grace died in her early fifties.

Barbara enjoyed teaching art and English as a second language, not only domestically, but in Rome, Italy for several years.  Her hobbies included traveling, painting and reading informative, stimulating books.  Barbara also belonged to the Common Wealth Club in San Francisco.  She particularly enjoyed a speech given by Audrey Hepburn.  During Barbara’s travels in Europe, she was introduced to Ernest Hemingway and one of Queen Elizabeth the Second's photographers as well as other notable personalities.

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