Ruth Williams Khama, a significant figure in post-colonial African history, died on May 22nd, 2002, at age 78, due to natural causes. Khama was the widow of Sir Seretse Khama, the first President of the Republic of Botswana, and was instrumental in the success of Botswana's pro-democracy initiatives. She served as the First Lady of Botswana from 1966 until her husband's death in 1980. Born in 1924 to English parents in Surrey, England, she married Seretse Khama in 1948 after Seretse returned to England from a five-year exile in Africa. At the time, interracial marriage was illegal in many countries, and Ruth and Seretse's union was met with major international opposition. Ruth and Seretse's marriage helped to pave the way for Botswana to gain its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. She served as an ambassador and adviser to her husband in his roles as Prime Minister and President. Ruth was committed to Botswanan causes. She advocated for gender equality, animal conservation, and the preservation of Botswanan culture and was a powerful advocate of universal rights and education. In 1974, she was named Dame of the British Empire. Ruth and Seretse have two children, Seretse Ian Khama, who was later elected president of Botswana, and Jacqueline Cokeletse Khama, a philanthropist and author. She will be remembered for her extraordinary life and her commitment to Botswana's democracy and prosperity.