Ruth Collins Rohrabaugh

Ruth Belle Collins Rohrabaugh, 89, loving mother, grandmother and sister, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, following a period of declining health.

She was born in Seneca, S.C., as the oldest of seven children of the late James and Essie Lee Collins. Ruth, formerly of Greenville, S.C., had been living the past few years near her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in Gwinnett County, Ga.

Ruth served as a secretary in several elementary schools in Greenville. She loved gardening and always had flowers blooming in her yard. Shopping was another favorite pastime, especially when finding clothes for her grandchildren on sale.

Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she had more Christmas decorations and Santa Clauses than you'd know what to do with. She also enjoyed playing bridge and in her younger days square dancing. She spent countless hours keeping up with the lives of her friends and family via letters, email and Facebook.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bill Rohrabaugh in 2009. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Mike and Susan Rohrabaugh of Norcross, Ga.; brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Doris Collins of Virginia; sisters, Evelyn Thompson of Johns Creek, Ga., and Helen Tucker of Marietta, S.C., sister and brother-in-law, Lucille and Jack Rothell of Florence, S.C.; grandchildren, Shannon Rohrabaugh Casas of Gainesville, Ga., and Daniel, Kelly and Kirsten Rohrabaugh, all of Atlanta; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Along with her husband, Ruth was predeceased by brothers and sisters-in-law, Willard Collins and Ginger and Lloyd and LaVersa Collins; and brothers-in-law Pete Tucker and Eddie Thompson.

Visitation is set for 9:30 a.m. Friday with the service at 11:30 a.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Greenville, S.C. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park, formerly Grand View Memorial Gardens in Travelers Rest. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sustainable Norcross, 207 Longview Drive, Norcross, GA 30071 for the Norcross Community Garden. www.woodlawn-fh.com