Ms. Ruth Lee "Gale" Horton, 71 of Charlotte, departed this life on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.  She was born January 25, 1950 in Lancaster, South Carolina to the late Ellener Holit Heath.

Ruth was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system, graduating from West Mecklenburg High, Class of 1968.  She furthered her education by attending UNC Charlotte, the Urban League of Central Carolinas and The Theological Seminary of Trueway, earning a Certificate of Theology, Diploma of Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Theology.  She retired from TransAmerica Reassurance, now known as Scor and was employed with them for over 20 years prior to her retirement.

Ruth was a member of Jerusalem Holiness Church before becoming a member of Christ Centered Fellowship Ministries, which was born in her very own living room. As a member of CCFM, she was ordained as an Evangelist under Pastor Linda Harris within Fruit of the Spirit Ministries.

During her many years of service within the body of Christ, she served as a Teacher, Usher, Missionary, Choir Member, Women of Worth leader and most recently was to be ordained as an Elder.  She loved serving in the ministry and participated in many other women groups, prayer groups, community service opportunities, door to door evangelism and any other way she could serve she would.

Ruth was known for her gift of hospitality and her welcoming spirit.  She loved entertaining and making others feel at home.  She also enjoyed sewing clothes, art projects, scrapbooking, and value shopping at any Goodwill location and Value Village aka "Neiman Marcus" to her on Freedom Drive.

Ruth was preceded in death by her father, Allen Heath Jr.; brothers, Kenneth Horton, Allen Heath, Jonathan Heath; and her mother, Ellener Holit Heath.

Ruth leaves to cherish her loving memories her daughter, Sylvia Horton (Isaac); son, Michael Horton (Chanita); sister, Cheryl Mason, all of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Tinogia, Jaylon, Jwaun, Mia and Maliah; two great-grandchildren, Tylan and Makaiah; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  She also leaves a loving and devoted best friend of sixty-five years, Claudette Beatty and a sister friend, Pastor Linda Harris.