Ruth "Ruthie" Ligon Giles

February 25, 1934 - January 26, 2021

Ruth Ligon Giles, fondly called “Ruthie” by her loved ones, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 29, 2021, at Mount Prospect Methodist Church Cemetery in Richburg, South Carolina. Nellie Ruth Ligon was born on February 25, 1934 in Richburg, South Carolina to George Thomas Ligon and Hazel Morrison Ligon. Ruthie’s childhood was spent dribbling down the basketball court and chasing her siblings around the family farm. But Ruthie would tell you her life really began when she met the love of her life, Harrison “Lonzo” Giles Sr., whom she married in 1953. Ruthie was a devoted and enthusiastic wife, supporting her husband throughout his storied career as a high school coach and principal. In 1971, they moved with their three children to Hilton Head Island, just as it was becoming a community. Ruthie always considered herself a native of the island and felt it her duty to enjoy its sunshine and beaches as much as possible. A charter member of Providence Presbyterian Church, Ruthie could be found either worshiping on the front right pew or in the Fellowship Hall, serving punch and greeting guests with her infectious smile. A true “Southern Belle,” she was happiest when friends and family gathered around her table for (more than one helping of) supper. Ruthie was generous in spirit, deeply rooted in faith, and not afraid to cheer loudly from the sidelines for her children and grandchildren. Ruthie’s eye for fashion and desire to make others look and feel their very best culminated in her long career as a sales consultant for the Worth Collection. In 2007, Ruthie moved to Savannah, Georgia, where she spent her final years surrounded by family. Although Lonzo passed away in 1994, Ruthie remained true to him for the remainder of her days. The greatest tragedy of her life was burying her two sons, Daniel “Danny Boy” Billis Giles and Harrison “Harry” Lonzo Giles Jr. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Betty Ligon Dixon, and brothers, Grady Thomas “Tommy” Ligon and Billy “Wayne” Ligon. Surviving family members, honored to carry on Ruthie’s legacy, include: daughter, Joni Giles Truax (Layton “Dexter” Truax Sr.); grandchildren Jessica Giles Gray (Eric Charles Gray), Layton Dexter Truax Jr., and Anna Giles Truax; as well as great grandchildren Hilton Harrison Gray and Whitley Jackson Gray. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the revival project of Mount Prospect Cemetery Association. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com.