Gale Morris Woodruff Altman was born July 12, 1939, in Livingston, Texas, to parents, Earl and Lucille Morris. She passed away in Coldspring, Texas, on May 24, 2026, at the age of 86.
After graduation from Coleman High School, Gale went on to study at University of Texas Business School. After graduating with a degree in Business, she started her first job with her father’s cattle operation. This job kickstarted a 70-year career in the cattle business. Her first love was her family, her second love was being on horseback, penning or sorting cattle or anything that had to do with ranch life. She once said, “The most comfortable seat I ever sat in was my saddle.” Gale was a lifetime member of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. A dedicated mother, wife, rancher and pillar of the community, Gale cared deeply for the youth of San Jacinto County. She led the 4-H horse club for many years teaching horsemanship and showmanship to the youth in the county. The club won a State Championship and went to the National Championship in Ohio under her leadership. Gale served on the COCISD school board for 18 years, many of those as president. Gale contributed to protecting our children by being actively involved with Child Protective Services and she received the prestigious Community Builder Award from the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge.
Gale was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Lucille Morris; her late husband, Lewis Woodruff; brother, Rhodes Morris; sister, Anita Morris Weston; son, William “Bill” Woodruff; and grandson, William Cole Woodruff.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Charles Altman; son, Joseph Woodruff and wife, Catherine; stepsons, Len Fairbanks and wife, Donna, Lance Altman and wife, Shannon, Mike Altman and wife, Brenda; daughter, D’Ann Woodruff Adams; grandchildren, Carson Fairbanks and wife, Stefanie, Reid Fairbanks and wife, Stacy, Lindsey Fairbanks Chastain and husband, Willie, Garrett Altman and wife, Kelcy, Colson Altman, Ashley Adams and Cadance, Lola Adams, Kennedy Altman, and Keaton Altman; 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 2-3pm at the First Baptist Church in Coldspring. Funeral Service will begin at 3pm with Pastor Trey Vaught officiating. Burial will follow in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Coldspring. Pallbearers will be Morris Weston, Curtis Luthe, Miles Mohnkern, Billy Jones, Harley Lovings and Jarrod Dreher; honorary pallbearers will be Stephen Bartee, Frank Hanka, and Marcus Graves.
