COLUMBIA - Ruth Bell Truesdale, wife of the late Lewie L. Truesdale, died on Thursday, January 19, 2017.
Born in Clinton, S.C. on February 18, 1918, she was the daughter of the late John Downs and Leora Hook Bell. The family later moved to Columbia where she attended local schools. She was a 1939 graduate of the University of South Carolina. She was a member and president of Delta Zeta sorority, member of the Pan Hellinc Council and was an attendant in the May Queen Court of 1938. After graduation she worked for the Works Process Administration. After marrying she stayed at home to raise her two daughters until returning to work at the Richland County Public Library where she worked for twenty years. Ruth was an avid reader, seamstress and gardener and enjoyed working puzzles and refinishing furniture. She was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church for over fifty years, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and a volunteer. In 2001 she received the Order of the Diamond for 75 years of membership in Delta Zeta sorority.
Ruth is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Bruner and Linda Girndt (Don); grandchildren, Thomas Bruner, Jr., John Downs Bruner, Michael Bruner (Evelyn), Emily Epps (Peyton), and Rebecca “Bea” Girndt; great-grandchildren, Kirkman Holland, Caleb Bruner, Mattie Bruner, and Chambers Epps; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her grandson, Clifford Ayer Girndt; two sisters; and a brother.
The family would like to thank Pearl Geiger for her dedication and love and care over the years. Her presence made a significant difference in Ruth’s quality of life. We would also like to thank Amelia and Delores Tucker for their recent assistance and care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, 3000 S. Beltline Blvd., Columbia, SC 29201; Richland County Public Library, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201; Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205; or to a charity of one’s choice.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2017.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine.
2 Entries
January 22, 2017
Mary Frances Biggs Watson
Hank, Elizabeth, her family, and I share our love and sympathy with all of you. Through the years on Crestwood Drive and afterwards, your mother has been a constant presence in our lives. I enjoyed many a day with all of you and have many happy memories of "Aunt Ruth". I loved her sense of humor and will remember her with gratitude the rest of my life. We are thankful that she is now at peace and not suffering.
Love.
January 22, 2017
We will miss Ruth, our dear friend and neighbor for many years. We are very sorry for your loss and offer our deepest sympathy to her loving family, Dot and Bill
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