SAN ANTONIO — Ruth Jones McClendon, a former state lawmaker who served Bexar County for 20 years, has died.
Current state representative for Texas' 120th House District Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, the seat McClendon used to hold, confirmed that she died Tuesday morning.
Jones McClendon died of brain cancer at age 74.
Her resignation from the House came in January of 2016. She used an electric scooter to get around the state capitol during her last legislative session in 2015.
Before she was a powerful state representative from San Antonio, Ruth Jones McClendon was a friend to people like former state senator Leticia Van de Putte.
"Ruth was my sister. She was my legislative sister. She's the person that I enjoyed having right next to me going into legislative battle but also the best person to go shoe shopping with," said Van de Putte.
"I think I will remember her most by her amazing sense of humor. She could make you laugh even in the most inappropriate of times."
McClendon got her professional start as a probation officer, and then became a San Antonio city council woman in the 1990s. But it was her 20 years as state representative for District 120 where she proved what she was made of.
"She passed close to 150 bills which is amazing," said Gervin-Hawkins.
“She believed in people, she believed in the efforts of a community. She believed in a collaborative spirit," said San Antonio city councilman William “Cruz” Shaw.
McClendon, friends say, never forgot where she came from.
"Higher education funding for UTSA Health Science Center and particularly her beloved Alamo Colleges and St. Phillips colleges. She always worried about the people who lacked transportation. She was a fierce advocate for public transit," said Van de Putte.
They say she never forgot anyone.
"Her passion. When she spoke, when she wrote, when she brought ideas to a community and had a discussion about her ideas for the community as a whole, not just certain parts of it, it’s remarkable," said Shaw.
She was a stateswoman who put politics aside.
It didn't matter what political party you were in. It was more about what can you do to help improve this community and I admire that," said Gervin-hawkins.
Paying it forward was her way of life.
"She always created opportunity. Whether it was writing your recommendation letter or helping you find an internship. Or getting your next job. She was always there," said Bexar County Democratic Chair Manuel Medina.
McClendon spoke her mind but never showed disrespect. Hers, colleagues and friends say, will be a legacy that won't soon fade.
"This community will benefit for years to come because of her work. And the state. Many school children don't know her name, but they should," said Van de Putte.
Statement from Rep. Chris Turner:
I am deeply saddened to learn of Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon's passing. Her twenty years of service in the Texas House were just part of a lifetime of championing criminal and social justice reforms. Rep. McClendon was an inspiration to many, and her legacy will always be remembered by the compassion and commitment she had to her constituents, the underserved, the wrongfully accused, and every Texan who wanted nothing more than a fair shot at life.
On behalf of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, I join my colleagues in extending my heartfelt condolences to Rep. McClendon's family and friends.
Statement from House Speaker Joe Straus:
Ruth Jones McClendon was an advocate for her community, a faithful public servant and a tireless fighter for justice. She was a person of principle and decency who spoke for those whose voice is too often not heard. Every one of us who served with Ruth was inspired by her integrity and tenacity, especially in the difficult final days of her service. Julie and I will always cherish the time we spent with Ruth, and our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family as they mourn the loss of this remarkable woman.
Statement from Rep. Lloyd Doggett:
A powerful voice in both City Council and the Texas Legislature,Libby and I are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Ruth Jones McClendon. Her legacy of public service continues to inspire us towork for causes she championed, including access to healthcare and helping all students fulfill their God-given potential. Whether it was visiting with her at her annual Western Roundup or through her efforts to expand educational opportunities for young people at the State Capitol, she worked tirelessly on behalf of others and her constituents on San Antonio’s East and Northeast Sides. Our prayers are with Denver and Ruth’s wonderful family.
Statement from San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg:
Ruth Jones McClendon was a consensus builder, who used her considerable political skills to help the needy.
As a Democrat in a Republican-controlled Legislature, McClendon managed to land on the House Appropriations Committee under two Republican speakers. She was a strong voice for San Antonio and her district.
She wielded power gently but effectively. McClendon was a statewide force on transportation while also working to address the needs of the state’s poorest citizens.
San Antonio is a better city because of her work as a member of City Council and in the Texas House. She will be greatly missed.