87R27273 BPG-D
By: Swanson H.R. No. 1358
R E S O L U T I O N
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.