Ruth R. "Buela" (Hortega) Gama

OTTAWA – Ruth R. “Buela” Gama, age 97, of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Ottawa Pavilion.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016, at St. Columba Catholic Church with Reverend Corey Krengiel officiating.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at Gladfelter Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m.  Pallbearers will be Louie, Rich, Paul, Carlos, Joe, and Chris Gama.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dustin and Drew Gama and Andrew and Carter Bacon.

Ruth was born September 24, 1918 in Sheffield, Illinois, the daughter of Apolinar and Antonia (Calvillo) Hortega.  She married Vincent Gama in August of 1941 in Palmyra, MO.  He preceded her in death in April of 1970.  Surviving are her son, Pete Gama of Ottawa; three daughters in-law, Bonnie, Kay Lynn, and Gloria Gama, all of Ottawa; her grandchildren, Paula (Robert) Grady, Louie (Jackie), Richard, Carlos, Paul “Buddy” (Mandi), Joseph (Sheila), and Christopher Gama, and Karla (Rick) Bacon, all of Ottawa; eleven great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by two sons, Louie and Paul Gama; two brothers, Joseph and John Hortega; and three sisters, Felicia Hortega, Cecilia Olvera, and Petra Godinez.

Ruth was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church.  She was retired from Community Hospital of Ottawa and worked at Ryburn King Hospital in the housekeeping department.  In her leisure, she enjoyed watching television and sitting outdoors.  Ruth was devoted to her family and cherished time spent with them, especially those times spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.