Ruth Marie LeClere ascended this earth May 28, 2024. She fought a valiant fight against cancer.  Ruthie is survived by her best friend, devoted and loving wife Ann Evans; brother Tommy Jr and wife Sandra LeClere; sons Devon and wife Elvia Nixon and Shane Nixon; step children Macon and husband Jon-Michael Graves and Nathan Broz and wife Cristal Gray;  grandchildren Haley and husband Levi Toney, Ashley Nixon, Jude Nixon, Zoe Nixon, Devon II Nixon, Paislee Nobles, Ethan Nixon, Julian Nixon; great grandchild Emmett Toney; bonus grandchildren Alex, Kasen, Logan, Sissy and Blake; nephews Tommy III and wife Katie LeClere and their sons Tommy IV, Austin and Cash and Jacob LeClere's daughters Alexis and Natalie.

Ruthie is preceded in death by her parents Diana and Tommy LeClere, nephew Jacob LeClere and layers of friends, neighbors and community. May we all pick up Ruthie's light and share it as generously as she did.

How much Ruthie loved her family is legendary and she brought that same devotion to her community. Diana and Ruthie started Central Texas BBQ in 1969, when Ruthie was just 14yrs old and they lived their whole lives in Pearland. She loved being at the BBQ – she could be with her family and her community. All those decades of taking care of friends and neighbors were an act that fueled her.  In her signature Panama hat and linen apron, she would greet everyone with an infectious smile and genuine interest in how they were doing. Anyone hungry or in need was never turned away and always left feeling seen and with a full belly. When you run to the rescue with love, peace will follow. Ruthie knew this.

The best times for Ruthie were when her children had their feet under her table. She could feed their bodies and their souls. She and Annie have raised and helped raise remarkable and extraordinary children and grandchildren. The community is lucky there will still be a place to go that exudes her strength, love and light. Through her family's devotion, dedication, skill and Cuban perseverance, the spirit of Ruth LeClere will live on at Central Texas BBQ.

Ruthie had a heart as big as Texas and a stubborn streak as long as Cuba.  She worked hard her whole life and expected the same of those around her, but she never forgot to always reward people that pushed themselves to make her proud.  Ruthie knew love is bigger than anything in its way and she always set that example. Those around her learned you should always stay close to people who feel like sunshine. This is why she had decades long friendships and employees that are literally and figuratively family.

The air and light changed when Ruthie entered the room.  She was the hippie life personified – love and peace for everyone. She knew how to meet a person where they were and lift them up so they could get a little further in their journey.  We all are better for having known Ruthie, lucky to have shared space with such light and grateful to have experienced her love. Honor Ruthie by going forward and doing what she did - giving light and wishing love and peace to everyone: What Would Ruthie Do (WWRD).