Ruth Shier Gerth

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