May 25, 1917 – August 13, 2011
Ruth Adele Pitts Welch, age 94, widow of the late Mitchell Beverly Welch, died August 13, 2011 at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, SC.
Born May 25, 1917, in Newberry, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late James Wister Pitts and the late Cora Grizzard Pitts.
Mrs. Welch attended public schools in Silverstreet and Newberry, South Carolina. She was graduated cum laude from Newberry College with a B. A. Degree and was graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a Master’s Degree in Education. For thirty-six years, she taught in elementary schools through-out South Carolina. She was a life-long member of various Methodist churches wherever she lived. Most recently, she was a member of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church and a member of the Ruth Diggs Circle.
She is survived by her two nieces and a nephew, two great nieces and two great nephews, three great-great nieces, and three great- great nephews and many cousins. She is also survived by her late husband’s family, her many friends, and compassionate nurses and caregivers.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Mrs. Welch was predeceased by sisters, Pearl Eoline Pitts, Sara Mae Pitts Lindler, Vera Elizabeth Pitts, Clara Pitts and an infant baby sister; also a brother, James Jefferson Pitts, Sr.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am, August 17, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery in Newberry, SC, officiated by her nephew, The Rev. James J. Pitts, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1160 Trinity Church Road, Newberry, SC 29108 or Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601 or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com
THE MC DOUGALD FUNERAL HOME, Anderson, SC