Ruth was born on September 20, 1928 in Marietta, Ohio to Edna Wells (Nuzum) and William D. Wells.
She is survived by her three daughters, Cyndee Patterson (husband John Munce), Malinda Wells, and Christine Frayne (husband Tim). She also is survived by grandchildren Ashley Wells Suhr, Henry (Hank) Patterson, Lori Atkins, and Felicia Gorham. Ruth was predeceased by her husband James H. Turkett, who passed away in September of 2013.
Ruth lived for many years in Miami, Florida where she raised her family. She received her associates degree from Miami Dade Junior College and also held a South Carolina Real Estate License. While in Miami, she worked for Sears and Roebuck in the customer service area. She later became the office manager at the YMCA of Miami. In 1969, she moved with her family to Greenville, SC where she worked for several real estate firms as an office manager.
Ruth was a lifelong Lutheran and while living in Greenville was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior.
A service will be held in the chapel at Mackey Funerals and Cremations Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 1:00 pm, with a reception to follow.