Obituary of Ruth Brazell

Ruth Brazell, 96, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. She was born on June 10, 1918 in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late William and Alice (Reynolds) Renew. Ruth was very kind and welcoming. She never met a stranger and her home was a refuge for her family and friends. Ruth truly had a heart of gold. She was very generous with her time and finances. She always supported those that were truly in need. Ruth embodied the volunteer spirit. She was a member of Hope Baptist Church, where she gave selflessly of her time doing whatever needed to be done. Ruth also enjoyed gardening. She could grow the most beautiful flowers and the heartiest of vegetables. Ruth was also an excellent cook and baker. Her culinary skills led her to once own her own bakery. Ruth was most proud of her family. She insisted that whatever the time, the family would always eat together. When there was a family celebration, it always happened at her house. Ruth was a rare and gentle soul. She will be missed by the many lives she has touched. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Bebe Butler of Columbia, SC; Clay Stogner of Manchester NH, a young man she raised; a brother, Robert "Bobby" Renew (Mildred) of Ridgeway, SC; grandchildren, Traci Palmeri of Bedford NH, Kelley Hixon (Troy) of Columbia, SC and Richard Butler, Jr., (Jennifer) of Tampa FL; great-grandchildren, Kayla Hill (Will) of Groton CT, Brandon Bouchard (Jennifer) of Marleton NJ, Courtney Marra, of Columbia, SC, Greyson Butler, of Tampa FL Tyler Marra, of Columbia, SC and Kenzie Butler of Tampa FL. She is also survived by her great-great-grandchildren, Schyler Hill, Falyn Hill, Grace Bouchard and Ellis Bouchard. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 50 years, William "Bill" Clifton Brazell. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 from 10 AM until 11 AM at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. Funeral services will follow the visitation in the Chapel of the Funeral Home. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Babcock Center, P.O. Box 4389, West Columbia, SC 29170 or at http://www.babcockcenter.org.