Mary Ella Ruff

Mary Ella Ruff, 97, of Winnsboro, the last remaining member of her family, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Watercrest of Columbia.  

Mary Ella was born on December 29, 1926, in the Bethel community of Fairfield County.  She was the daughter of the late Willie P. and Ida Bowles Ruff.  

She was predeceased by four brothers, William, Dan, James, and Sidney Ruff; and one sister, Margaret Ruff.  

Mary Ella was a graduate of Jenkinsville High School and Columbia Hospital School of Nursing.  She worked as an R.N. at Greenwood Hospital and Self Memorial Hospital in Greenwood for 32 years. She was a faithful member of Bethel United Methodist Church and also a member of the United Methodist Women’s Group where she served as Treasurer for years. She was also a loyal member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

A funeral service and Christian burial will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Winnsboro.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 6688 State Highway 269, Winnsboro, SC 29180 or Self Regional Healthcare Foundation, Mary Ella Ruff Nursing Scholarship Fund, 1325 Spring Street, Greenwood, SC 29646.  

Pope Funeral Home is assisting the Ruff family.  

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