TITLE: In memory of Ruth Lorena Mason of Houston.

SUMMARY: In memory of Ruth Lorena Mason of Houston.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost an admired advocate for people with disabilities with the passing of Ruth Lorena Mason of Houston on January 23, 2020, at the age of 53; and WHEREAS, Born in the Bayou City on January 31, 1966, the former Ruth DeJohn was known to family and close friends as "Lore"; she dedicated herself to improving the lives of children and adults with disabilities, working tirelessly for better access to education, health care, and employment support; during her career, she was employed by Disability Rights Texas, and she went on to share her expertise through leadership roles with numerous other agencies and organizations, including the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, Texas Parent to Parent, the Arc of Texas, the Down Syndrome Association of Houston, and the Harris Center; among other contributions, she frequently provided valuable testimony at legislative hearings on disability issues; and WHEREAS, Ms. Mason's work was informed by her own battle with ALS; with the assistance of ocular technology, she was able to communicate clearly using just her eyes, and she amazed her doctors and other medical staff with her comprehensive knowledge of the disease; she continued to champion the interests of people with disabilities as her illness progressed; and WHEREAS, A woman of strong faith, Ms. Mason served on the worship ministry team at her church, and she was a member of the choir and band; she was also a leader of the children's choir, a teacher in Mom's Day Out, and a regular participant in women's Bible studies; moreover, she was instrumental in ministering to children with disabilities and their families; in all her endeavors, she was supported by the love and encouragement of her husband of 29 years, Michael Mason, and her sons, William and Samuel; she is also survived by her mother, Mary Ruth Cooper, and her siblings, Dave DeJohn and Alice Janz; and WHEREAS, Ruth Mason made a lasting, positive difference in the lives of innumerable people through her unceasing endeavors in behalf of people with disabilities, and although she is deeply missed by those she left behind, they will forever treasure their memories of her compassion, courage, and determination; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Ruth Lorena Mason and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn her passing; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ruth Mason. Swanson Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1358 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 26, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House