Nellie Ruth Berger

Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, James Erwin Berger, a Korean War Veteran. She was also predeceased by her parents, Emma Craig Marler and William Fred Marler; and her sisters, Bobbie Kinard, Faye Baldwin, Mary Metts; her brother, Billy Marler; and her grandson, Kyle Martin Berger.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Janet Nabors and husband, James Clayton Nabors, Jr.; and her son Fred Irwin Berger and wife Becky Martin Berger; and one granddaughter Nikki Sasser and husband, Brooks Sasser; and two great grandchildren Kyleigh Ann and Hickson; and her sister Linda Schofield and her two brothers Charles Marler and Ronnie Marler and a multitude of other family members.

Ruth's first love and priority was God. She received Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age and was a member of Woodside Baptist Church in Greenville, SC, at the time of her death. She was also an active member of Agnew Road Baptist Church, where she was a Choir member, Sunday School teacher, Bible school teacher, and active in the Youth Ministry. All throughout Ruth's life, she shared her faith with everyone she met.

Ruth's second love was family. She loved every minute she spent with her family. We were poor and didn't know it, There was always great food on our table and plenty of gifts at holidays and birthdays. She always took the family to church every time the doors were open and to visit the other family members at every opportunity. Those were the best of times.

Ruth's earthly journey was marked by her third love that was an unwavering commitment to helping those in need. God placed her in a management position at a convenience store called “Gas Bar” next to Parker High School where she ministered to all who visited. She would feed the hungry school kids, serve coffee to business customers, and ministered spiritually to everyone. Ruth provided less fortunate children with Christmas gifts, homeless with warm clothing and a helping hand to anyone in need. Her little corner of the world was a lifeline for many who entered in not only for earthly treasures, but also for spiritual inspiration.

God eventually led Ruth to join her daughter to manage the Floral Shop at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to management of store, she ministered to the military service members and their families supporting their spiritual needs especially during major deployments of the Kosovo conflict, Iraqi War, Operation Desert Storm, and Global War on Terror following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Her life followed the greatest Commandment to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

As we say our final goodbye to Ruth Berger, let us carry forward the lessons she taught us about the great commission of loving our family, friends, and strangers. In doing so, we honor her memory and continue her legacy of making this world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Woodside Baptist Church, or any Christian Ministry of your choice In Memory of Nellie Ruth Berger.