LANCASTER, SC ~ Ruth Annie Miller Melton, age 99, passed away on Wednesday May 5, 2021.  She was born March 10, 1922 in Lancaster County, SC, a daughter of Mary Faile Miller and Bogan Franklin Miller.

During her last year at Lancaster High School, Ruth met her husband-to-be, Eugene "Gene" Minor Melton.  Their blind date resulted in a happy marriage of nearly 70 years.

During World War II, Ruth was employed at the Naval Munitions Plant in Charlotte, NC.  She was one of 100 women who inspected ammunition.  She spoke often of how seriously she approached her job, keenly aware that a soldier's life might depend on her work.  Early in her husband's career, she worked in his office, but decided that her best contribution to her family would be in the home caring for her children. She was a devoted wife, mother, and generational grandmother.

Ruth loved the Lord and could often be found reading her Bible, listening to preaching and southern gospel music.  She is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.  In her earlier years, she faithfully served in the pre-school department at Pleasant Dale Baptist Church.  She was a good cook and enjoyed preparing and taking meals to shut-ins, the sick and bereaved.  She was quite practical and spoke her mind on most occasions.  She was serious but with a dry sense of humor and was always surprised that someone would find humor in something she said.

Ruth is survived by her daughters:  Linda Snipes (Donnie) of Reno, NV; Janice M. Mathis of Lancaster, Dianne Walker (LG) of Charlotte, NC; Sandra Plyler (Ray) of Lancaster; Christine Hunter  (Jackson) of Lancaster, Renee Funderburk (Chris) of Lancaster; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great- grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; a son-in-law, Tony Whitaker and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband; three daughters: Judy Elaine Melton, Baby Girl Melton, and Brenda Gale Whitaker, her son-in-law Charles E Mathis, and her brothers, sisters and their spouses; Wade Miller (Leona); Clyde Miller (Ollie); Mae Laney (W.B."Tib"), Fred Miller (Margaret), Faye Hegler (Bill), Phoye Funderburk (Halcotte), and Lois McManus (Charles).

The Celebration of Life Graveside Service for Mrs. Melton will be 11:00 am Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Lancaster Memorial Park officiated by her grand son-in-law, Patrick Clark.  The family will receive friends following the service at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church,1841 N. Rocky River Rd., Lancaster, SC 29720, Agape Hospice of Lancaster 311 N. Main S. Suite B, Lancaster, SC 29720, or The Gideons International, Lancaster Camp U39076, P.O. Box 1302, Lancaster, SC 29720