Ruth Shier Gerth Charleston - Ruth Gerth, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning August 22, 2021, at the Lowcountry Hospice House. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 28, 2021, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 4255 SC-165, Yonges Island, SC 29449. Ruth was born in her childhood home in downtown Charleston on July 4, 1941. As a young girl, she enjoyed playing softball and catching fish. She went on to marry her husband of 62 years, Lawrence Gerth, at the age of 17. They raised their two children on James Island, until moving to their farm on Yonges Island. Ruth was devoted to being a good mother, grandmother, wife, aunt, and devout member of the Catholic Church. A friend to all, Ruth never met a stranger and treated everyone with kindness and respect. She enjoyed working as the school bus driver at Nativity Catholic School and working at Charleston True Value. She looked forward to volunteering at Saint Mary's Catholic Church and The Neighborhood House soup kitchen every week for years. Ruth found such genuine joy in the simple things in life such as cutting grass and working on the farm. After retirement, Ruth spent time traveling with her loved ones. She went from Las Vegas to Alaska to Hawaii, though her favorite place in the world was the farm. In her late years, she battled severe COPD. Ruth was in home hospice care since June of 2021, yet she continued to inspire many with her positive outlook and cheerful anticipation of heaven. Her family and friends are able to rejoice and take comfort in knowing that she is now with her Lord and Savior in heaven. In addition to her husband, Ruth is survived by her children, Donna Gerth Linzel (Gray) and Christopher L Gerth (Lisa); her grandchildren, Sarah Gerth Neville (Mac), Gray Linzel III and Maggie Shier Gerth (Tim); her sister, Silvia McGougan (Bruce) as well as many nieces and nephews in Charleston & Menomonie, WI. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation in Ruth's honor to St. Mary's Catholic Church on Yonges Island. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc., (843)766-1365. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Aug. 24 to Aug. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Gerth

Sponsored by James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation.

13 Entries

Ann Schwacke(Hart)

August 26, 2021

Chris and Lisa and all of the Gershwin family also Donna I am so sorry to hear about Ruth so glad I got to spend some time with her at the wedding. She was an awesome lady. We played softball at the Y many years ago. We were the champs for three years with the help from Ruth. I am sure she will be missed by family and friends

Jim Hayes

August 26, 2021

To the Gerth family,
Very sorry to hear of Mrs.Gerths' passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Walter , Brian and Joan Gerth

Sent Flowers

Ursula Ferguson

August 25, 2021

I remember Ruth when I was at Nativity School in the early 80s. She was such a sweet lady and loved her job. Praying the memories you have will get you through this sad time.

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vi defourneaux

August 25, 2021

What can I say? Ruth and Larry have been forever friends. It started with Donna being in my second grade at Nativity. I ate many meals at their home. After I married we still were good friends. I taught Chris when he was in second grade. Ruth was such a good friend. We would go shopping for craft supplies. Many a good day when I went fishing with Ruth, She would drive me in her cart to different fishing places. The past two years both of our health kept us from fishing and visiting. I am so sorry Ruth had to suffer so much. She was one fine lady whose friendship I will always cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with Larry, Donna and Chris and their families.

Marleen Alexander

August 25, 2021

My deepest sympathy. May God be with you during this difficult time.

Lisa & David Savage

August 25, 2021

Mr Gerth, Donna & Chris,
We are so sorry to hear about your amazing Ruth. One of the kindest women we´ve ever met. Prayers for peace and comfort during such a difficult time.

Terry Dodds

August 25, 2021

Prayers to each of you. She was a beautiful lady!

Ricky Heiterer

August 25, 2021

Prayers to all she left behind. What a great lady. Many memories of her driving our school bus. So sad to hear this.

Mary Ann and Jack Byrnes

August 25, 2021

Ruth was a very special lady. She was a hard working and kind person always ready and willing to help. She did many things in her life, but one of the best was being a good friend. Our sincere condolences to the Gerth family.

Sister Canice Adams

August 24, 2021

Ruth was a wonderful lady! She will be missed by many ! R. I. P

Betsy Long

August 24, 2021

It was always a pleasure to go to mass and see Ruth and Larry’s smiling faces. She was an inspiration to all she met. May you be comforted knowing she is no longer in pain. Blessings
Betsy
Betsy Newcomb Long

maryann meyers

August 24, 2021

Ruth was amazing loving thoughtful and made me laugh. I am so sorry to hear this. Love and Angels to the family to watch over them. God to comfort them

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results