Ru-loaded Y2O3 catalyst was investigated for the partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas. Ru(0.5 wt%)/Y2O3 catalyst afforded a high CH4 conversion of 27% at a CH4:O-2 ratio of 5 to give nearly a 1:2 ratio of CO and H-2 with a selectivity of 75% at 873 K. Ru(0.5 wt%)/Y2O3 catalyst maintained high catalytic activity over 10 h in the partial oxidation of methane. Carbon deposition of the catalyst surface in the reaction of CH4 was examined by thermogravimetric analyses, and it was found that no carbon deposition occurred on the Ru(0.5 wt%)/Y2O3 catalyst. The synthesis-gas production proceeded basically via a two-step reaction consisting of methane combustion to give H2O and CO2, followed by the reforming of methane from CO2 and steam.