Ruth Robertson Branks Obituary

Ruth Robertson Branks

Charleston - Ruth Robertson Branks, 94, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Her graveside funeral service will be held Monday, February 23, 2026 in Live Oak Memorial Gardens at 11:00 am. Please join us after the service to celebrate Ruth's life at Kathy's (formerly Ruth's) home. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Ruth was born March 17, 1931 in Charleston, South Carolina, daughter of the late Walter Allen Robertson and Carrie Carter Robertson. She was married to the late Charles Walter Branks, Jr.

Ruth was a proud member of the last all female class at Charleston's Memminger High School graduating in 1950 and then went on to graduate from Rice Business School in Charleston with a focus in Administration. After graduating, she worked until she married and started her family. When her children were older, she returned to work and reluctantly retired at the age of 70, but only to take care of our ill father.

Ruth always was a fiercely independent woman and didn't rely on others but preferred doing things herself. This legacy of independence lives on in her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She, her daughters and later her granddaughter had the most fun and have the best memories of Saturday shopping trips to King Street when all the stores were locally owned and the merchants knew you by name. We never came home empty handed! In the recent past, she enjoyed playing cards and bingo with her friends up until 2 weeks prior to her death.

If asked how she was doing she always replied "fantastic" and loved telling everyone she met her age. Our mother was one month short of 95 years of age and she was very proud of that accomplishment. She maintained a strong faith in God.

She is survived by her children, Kathy Knight (Wayne) and Tara Campbell (Phil); grandchildren, Todd Knight (Alison), Meredith Miller (Brandon), Alex Campbell, and Philip Campbell (Laura Ann); great-grandchildren, McCoy, Branks, Maddy, Sloan, Hazel, and Bo; and siblings, Albert Robertson (Martha) and Roy Robertson. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Walter Branks, Jr.; and siblings, Marguerite Robertson, Walter Robertson, Louise Gratzick, Annette O'Connor, and Kenneth Robertson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ruth's memory to the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry at www.dsalowcountry.org.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.