Ada Ruth Tucker Skaggs

Ada Ruth Tucker Skaggs died in Harlingen, Texas on April 29, 2026, at the age of 100. Ruth was born in Deport, Texas on January 25, 1926, to Charles Thomas Tucker and Gladys Smith Tucker. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas in 1943. She attended Trinity University in San Antonio, and worked at Braniff Airways, before marrying Jack Clemens Skaggs in 1949. After Jack graduated from the University of Texas law school, they moved to Harlingen, Texas in 1951, where they raised their three children, John, Toby and Jim. Ruth was affectionately referred to as “Boppy” by her family and close friends. After Jack’s death in 1981, Ruth traveled extensively throughout the world.

Ruth served on many community boards including the boards of Harlingen Public Library, the Valley International Airport, and the Gladys Porter Zoo. She was especially proud of the fact that the staff at the Gladys Porter Zoo saw fit to name one of their newborn monkeys “Ruth” in her honor.

Ruth was active in the Cameron County Democratic Party. She, along with her husband Jack, were long time personal friends of United States District Judge Barefoot Sanders and his wife, Jan. Ruth and Jack were en route to Dallas, Texas to attend a Democratic party event when they received the notification of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, who was also scheduled to attend the same Democratic party event.

Ruth is survived by her children, John Skaggs (Vicki) of McAllen, Texas, Jack (Toby) Skaggs of Harlingen, Texas, and James Skaggs of Harlingen, Texas; her grandchildren Amy Poore (Joshua) of League City, Texas, David Skaggs (Briana) of Pflugerville, Texas and Tegan Skaggs Davis (Michael) of West Braintree, Vermont; and her sister-in-law Phyllis Tucker of Houston, Texas. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Jack Clemens Skaggs, her parents, Charles Thomas Tucker and Gladys Smith Tucker, and her brother Charles Thomas Tucker of Houston, Texas.

The family is grateful for the many years of love and support from Melissa Davis and from Ruth’s caregiver, Eduvina (Duvi) Reyna of Harlingen, Texas.

There will be a memorial service at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church on June 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to Gladys Porter Zoo or to the charity of your choice.