Ruth Gardner

March 11, 1955 - March 26, 2020

Facebook

Ruth Margaret Gardner, 65, wife of Jeff Gardner, died Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Born in Celina, OH, she was a daughter of the late Marcus and Vera Gerke Speicher.

A graduate of Capital University in Columbus, OH, she celebrated many close friendships that she developed over a life’s journey that took her from Ohio to Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, and the Netherlands before settling in Simpsonville, SC for the last 21 years. All along the way she was a loving wife and mother to her husband and two sons, Chris Gardner and Andy Gardner.

Confident, trusting and steadfast in her Christian faith, Ruth was a member of Lamb of God Lutheran Fellowship. A lifelong Lutheran, she served in whatever capacity her churches needed.

The bunco queen of Kilgore Plantation, Ruth was a friend to all who knew her warm smile and loving personality. Ruth was an avid hiker who was especially inspired by her completion of the Make-a-Wish Foundation Trailblaze Challenge in 2017.

Among many other attributes she will be remembered for crafting beautiful custom window treatments. Her keen sense of interior design coupled with her “friend to all” pricing strategy kept her services in high demand in the Upstate.

Ruth is also survived by her daughters-in-law Stacie (wife to Chris) and Michelle (wife to Andy); grandchildren, Luke, Elise, and Julie Gardner; sister, Carolyn Clack of Horseheads, NY and brother, John Speicher of Geyserville, CA.

Due to the recent CDC Covid-19 guidelines on social distancing, a public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made in her honor to Make-a-Wish South Carolina online at sc.wish.org/donate or by check to 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Ste C17, Greenville, SC 29607; or to Lamb of God Lutheran Fellowship by check to PO Box 1703, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

Ruth Margaret Gardner, 65, wife of Jeff Gardner, died Thursday, March 26, 2020. Born in Celina, OH, she was a daughter of the late Marcus and Vera Gerke Speicher. A graduate of Capital University in Columbus, OH, she celebrated many close friendships that she developed over a life’s journey that took her from Ohio toContinue Reading

Watch Video Tribute

See Condolences

I have so wonderful memories, but I know I can only list a few. We grew up together in a small town. Speicher's had a lot across the street from where they lived and it had a field, playground equipment and trees for climbing. We spent countless hours there. When Ruthie and I were about 10 or 11 we went to girl scout camp. We had a tent with no floor, 2 cots, and many spiders. We had to dig a trench the first day around the tent in case it rained. We cried that first night scared wanting to go home. They did talk us into staying another day and of course we ended up having the best time. The summer before high school Ruthie, Jodi and I rode our bikes 22 miles to her Aunt Martha's house in Indiana to stay a couple days. We were chased by many dogs. We got sticks to try to keep them away and we pedaled pretty fast!! We went to Daytona beach for our high school graduation trip, Hawaii in 1975 and Las Vegas to celebrate us all turning 50 and Nashville for out 60th. Ruthie never missed a Celina Senior class reunion.
Ruthie was a great friend to many. She was such a kind person. She had a great sense of humor. I feel blessed to have known her so well. I will greatly miss her along with anyone who was lucky enough to meet her.

Ruthie and I attended the same church St John Lutheran in Celina from the time we were little until graduation. We would spend time on Sundays after church at each other’s house. She was a wonderful girl & I will never forget her kindness. May you Rest In Peace my friend. Sympathy to your family.

Ruth, it was an honor to know you and call you a friend , may you rest in peace with our Lord and savior . You will always be in our hearts and prayers and your smile will never be forgotten.

Beau and Cris Beauchamp

Ruthie was one of the first people I met on a training hike with Make-a-wish Trailblaze challenge. She was the sweetest most sincere person I have ever met. Even though I was a slow hiker she stayed with me until we made it back to the parking lot at Jones Gap. We kept laughing as we thought we were almost there every 1/2 mile or so. I will miss her beautiful smile. Praying for your entire family.

Ruth and I were in kindergarten together, we always knew each others bday because she was the elenth and I was the twelfth, our mom's were in Gibbons Hospital together. So many wonderful memories of school days in Celina! She was a WONDRRFUL GIRL. My thoughts and prayers go to her family. Rest in beautiful peace dear friend.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Do you know Tim I remember your birthday because of that..every year I think of you on the 12th

We met Ruth at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mauldin years ago. She was one of the friendliest people we know, always with a smile for everyone! She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

My life is certainly better for having known Ruthie. Our bond over the MakeAWish Trailblaze Challenge will be everlasting.

We need more Ruthies in the world, particularly now. You will be great missed.

Through many dinners and functions, Ruthie was always so upbeat and fun to be around. We miss her, and our sympathies to Jeff and family. Sorry we can't be there.

Jim and Jenny Justus

Dick and Jay were kind enough to pass along the sad news. So sorry to hear.
Keep the faith.
The Bud Loprest family. Deerfield, Illinois

We are so saddened by Ruth's passing. She was the kindest and most warm person and her smile lit up a room. Hugs to your family.

I have known Ruthie and Jeff for many years. I can honestly say that I never show her unhappy. She had a wonderful smile and the uncanny ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. I remember how excited she was after she completed the Make-A-Wish fund-raiser hike. That was quite an achievement. She was a very very special person and she will be greatly missed by her many friends. I count myself lucky that I am included in that group.

Ruthie, you will be missed more than you could ever know. Thank you for your support and devotion to Lamb of God right from the beginning. Your beautiful smile will remain with us always. We will take care of Jeff until you are together again.

I had the chance to meet Mrs. Gardner in the early 2000’s on some SEE trips. I always said hello Mrs. G and she would grab my hand with both hers and say, “I’m not the boss, call me Ruthie, John”... she never forgot my name or my wife’s. She was kind and always had something interesting to talk about. My heart goes out to Jeff and the boys.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.