Mary Ruth Jaynes Pate, 92, of Harvest, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born on April 14, 1934, in Ethelsville, Alabama. 

Mary “Ruth” grew up on a farm and enjoyed spending time with her family and visiting cousins. When she was an adult, Mary worked in a garment plant which gave her the skills to make clothes for her daughters for many years. She had a sweet gentle spirit that prepared her to be a life-long caregiver.

Mary was a wonderful mother to her four children, especially to Diane who required a lifetime of additional love and support. Granny also gave additional love and care to her grandson, Sean, while Sherry worked. 

Mamaw loved and cared for her other grandsons, Robert and Christopher, while Liesa worked; and cared for her great- niece and nephew when they lived close. They called “Aunt Ruth” their second mama.

After Diane passed, she spent much of her time working Find-A-Word puzzles. When her great-grandchildren visited, they looked forward to playing checkers with their Granny. She was an amazing player!

Mary is survived by her children Monte Pate (Irina), Sherry Larkin (Donald), and Liesa Pendergraft (Jeff); grandchildren Robert Pendergraft (Rachel) and Christopher Pendergraft (Amanda); great-grandchildren Geneva, Judson, Katharina, Isaac, and Ada Hilde Pendergraft.

Mary is preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Pate; her grandson, Sean Larkin; her parents, Carlis and Pearl Jaynes; sister, Marie Moore; and brothers, Mayo Jaynes, Bernie Jaynes, Virgil Jaynes, and Dewayne Jaynes.

Visitation will be held in the Berryhill Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 10 - 11 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11 AM with Dr. Robert Pendergraft officiating. A graveside service will be held following the funeral service at Huntsville Memory Gardens.

A special thank you to Sandra Lemons at Harbor Haven LLC and Julia, Maia, Steven, Lane, Rosa, Virginia, Brian, and Karis at Gentiva Hospice - Huntsville for their care of our mother.