LANCASTER, SC ::::::::::: Mrs. Ruth Ghent Kirkland, age 84, died Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Lancaster Convalescent Center. She was born June 12, 1927 in Lancaster County, the daughter of the late John Ervin Ghent and Mary Taylor Ghent and was the wife of the late Ben Milton Kirkland. Mrs. Kirkland was a retired Bookkeeper for Kanawha Insurance and attended New Cut Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Kirkland is survived by a son, John B. Kirkland and a daughter, Brenda K. Wood both of Lancaster, 3 grandchildren, Leslie W. Lloyd, Toni K. Stallings, and Lori K. Turner, and 5 great grandchildren, Madison and Max Lloyd, Riley and Jaxon Turner, and Bailey Stallings.Mrs. Kirkland was preceded by 4 brothers, Carl, Kelly, J.E. and Joe Ghent and 2 sisters, Jayne G. Dunlap and Evelyn G. Small. The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mrs. Kirkland will be 3:00 pm, Thursday, October 20, 2011 at The Chapel of Hartley Funeral Home by Rev. Patrick Clark. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.The Family of Mrs. Kirkland will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home and suggests memorials to New Cut Presbyterian Church, 2617 New Cut Church Road, Lancaster SC 29720.