Ruth Semmler Brown

Ruth S. Brown-Charleston Entered into eternal rest on December 17, 2010, Ruth Semmler Brown, the widow of Heinz Gerhard Brown. Ruth was born on Tuesday, August 16, 1910, a daughter of Louis and Rosa Schoenholz Semmler in New York, NY. Ruth lived a long, interesting and energetic life, especially for a woman of her generation. After graduating from college at 19 years of age and getting her Masters Degree she worked as a secretary, first in Denver, CO and then in Berlin, Germany at the American Embassy. While in Germany, she met and married her husband, Heinz, and they enjoyed a long and loving marriage, devoted to each other for nearly 50 years. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce and was Executive Secretary to the President of MKM Knitting Mills in Manchester, New Hampshire. Later, she worked as a Legal Secretary and Probate Paralegal in New Hampshire and Florida, retiring at age 71. After her retirement, Ruth actively volunteered for several community organizations near her home in Melbourne, FL The Brevard Performing Arts Center and Leeza s Place, a respite center for the caregivers of Alzheimer s patients. She moved to Charleston in 2005 to live with her daughter, Beth. The highlight of her later life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved them fiercely and was beloved by them. It meant so much to her that they were all able to be with her here in Charleston to celebrate her 100th birthday on August 16, 2010. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Beth B. Parrott of Charleston; her grandchildren, Marna C. Stilley of Charleston, Fredric L. Brown, Jr. of Whittier, CA. and Jenne L. Whittington of Milwaukie, OR., her greatgrandchildren, MacGregor, Sadie, Gareth, Derek , Ronan, Sara, Faith and Emma.. She was predeceased by her son, Fredric L. Brown, Sr. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 Tuesday, December 21, 2010, at her daughter's home, 1612 Indaba Way, Charleston, SC 29414. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR. 72202 (800) 422-0474. Her Guest Book may be signed at www.jamesamcalister.com. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. 766-1365.