It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Eilene Butler Sullivan of San Antonio, Texas. Ruth Eilene passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on June 7, 2019. Born on July 8, 1931 to Ruth Eilene Lynch and Vincent Butler, Sr. in Jersey City, New Jersey. Ruth Eilene grew up in her beloved Jersey City with her brothers, Dr. Vincent P. Butler, Jr. and James David (JD) Butler. After graduating from the Academy of St. Aloysius in Jersey City in 1948, Ruth Eilene ventured south to Washington, D.C. to attend the alma mater of her mother, Trinity College (now University). During her time at Trinity, she first met Daniel J. Sullivan, IV, her wonderful husband of 40 years and they married on September 13, 1952, soon after she graduated. Ruth Eilene and Dan moved to San Antonio and made their home there.

With her love and compassion, Ruth Eilene served on countless boards, organizations and committees, including: University of the Incarnate Word, The Charity Ball Association, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), South Texas Biomedical Research Center, KLRN television, and too many more to list. In her spare time from her altruistic activities, Ruth Eilene loved to live her life to the fullest, travelling the world extensively with her husband, children, and friends, visiting family in New Jersey, and spending time at the ranch. She loved playing bridge as well as her books, puzzles, Jeopardy, and Sauvignon Blanc.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Dr. Butler, Sr. and Ruth Eilene; husband, Dan; brothers, Vince and JD; and cousins Bruce and Judy McLane.

Ruth Eilene is survived by her three loving children Daniel J. Sullivan, V, Ruth Eilene Sullivan and Vincent Paul Sullivan, cousin Marjorie McLane (Jim) Maxfield, and sister-in-law Patricia Butler. She was an amazing and dedicated aunt to all of her nieces and nephews including, Kathleen (Jim) Smith, Christina (Dave) Murphy, Karen (John) Colbert, Susan (Danijel) Farkas, and her cousins including, James Maxfield, Bruce (Paula) McLane, Colin (Colleen) McLane, Jason (Karen) McLane, and Kevin (Anne) McLane. She was also the best great-aunt you could ask for to Sarah, EJ, Jack, Patrick, Bridget, Charlie, Timmy, JD, Catherine, Will, Patrick, Connor and Ryan. The family wishes to thank her amazing caretakers and caregivers Audelia Cedra, Barbara Jimmerson, Maria Pappalardo, Maria Cervantes and Barbara Johnson-Stewart, as well as countless family members.

A memorial service was held on June 15, 2019 at the Incarnate Word Motherhouse Chapel followed by a reception at The Argyle Club.

Please consider a donation in Ruth Eilene's honor to one of her favorite charities, including the San Antonio Botanical Gardens (555 Funston Place, San Antonio, Texas 78209), SAMA (200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78215) or KLRN (PO Box 9, San Antonio, Texas 78291).