Ruth Anne Gonzalez McIntyre was born April 18, 1932, in Tucson, Arizona, to Anselmo and Ruth Gonzalez. She was the eldest of five children: Mercy Guerrero, Edna Strasser, Andy Gonzalez, and Eddie Gonzalez. Ruth Anne loved singing in church, at school, and throughout her life. During high school, she worked at a 5 & Dime store, where she met several Western movie stars filming in Old Tucson. She became a favorite of John Wayne, who nicknamed her “My Little One” and bought scarves from her for his films. She also met Randolph Scott and Audie Murphy.

In her early years, Ruth Anne considered becoming a nun and devoting her life to Our Lord, but God had a different plan. In 1957, she met Robert McIntyre, a young Air Force private from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Their friendship grew into a lasting bond, and on February 1, 1958, they were married, beginning a life filled with love and adventure. 

Ruth Anne traveled to England, France, Germany, Brussels, and Belgium. She had tea with a Duchess at Buckingham Palace, saw the tulips in Belgium, and visited Auschwitz. 

She lived a full and adventurous life, traveling the world before returning to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, after Robert retired from the Air Force. There, she worked for 27 years at Oak Ridge Memorial Hospital. Ruth Anne also carried her love of music throughout her life, singing with the Sweet Adelines choral group until she was no longer able to drive.

Ruth Anne passed away on August 9, 2026, at the same hospital where she had retired, surrounded by friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Tina Peterson (Randy); her grandchildren, Michael Hall, Matthew Hall, Mark Hall (Amanda), Zachary Peterson (Jennifer), Randi Melton, and Cheyne Peterson (Whitney); eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and her brother, Andy Gonzalez (Linda), Sister, Gloria Gonzalez. 12 Nieces and Nephews and many Grand Nieces and Nephews. Ruth Anne had many of her “Kids” that she thought of as her own children. Andrew Lang (Nikki), Jessica Penrod (Andrew) and Robert Martin (Ann).

Ruth's family will receive friends on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 10:30am, with her funeral mass to follow at 11:00am at St. Therese Catholic Church in Clinton, TN. Graveside service and Interment will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 2:00pm at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Ruth McIntyre