RUTH ANNE NYE SANFORD
Ruth Anne Nye Sanford, 72, wife of Jeffrey Ray “Jeff” Sanford, of Sumter, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 24, 2024, at MUSC in Charleston surrounded by her loving family.
Ruth Anne was born July 14, 1951, in Conway, a daughter of the late David S. Nye Jr. (Jimmie) and Mary Joyce Hosse Nye. In addition to her parents, Ruth Anne was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Nye Zirkle.
Ruth Anne graduated from Winthrop University with a degree in art education. She taught art for many years in Charleston and then Aynor. When her daughter Anna Louise was born, she devoted her time to motherhood and serving the church. A dedicated member of Grace Baptist Church, she served as WMU director for many years. She was passionate about missions, locally and around the world. She was the embodiment of a joyful servant and showed Christ’s love through her exuberant smile and her attentiveness to others. When a need arose, she jumped to action and was the first to arrive, all hands on deck. She said if something or someone was on your heart, the Holy Spirit is speaking and you better listen and get moving! She prepared countless meals for those who were sick, bereaved, homeless or simply downtrodden. She also loved showering family and friends with gifts, especially clothes and surprises for her precious grandchildren. “Mimi” never showed up empty-handed and was known to mail countless cards and care packages. Ruth Anne had the gift of hospitality — she could throw one heck of a party, even whipping up meals for large crowds with a minute’s notice. Her ability to draw people together, connect them in meaningful ways and remember names decades later was unsurpassed. We always joked that she could have been the governor of South Carolina!
Ruth Anne is survived by her loving family: her devoted husband of 48 years; her daughter Anna Louise Hicklin and her husband, Hunter; her grandchildren Mary Joyce, Sanford and Wesley; a brother, David Nye, and wife, Phyllis; brother-in-law Larry Parker and wife, Linda; brother-in-law Mike Parker and wife, Sherrie; beloved aunt Mary Lou Holley; and her nieces, nephews and all the friends that she considered family.
A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at Grace Baptist Church in Sumter, with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Williams and the Rev. Steve Shumake officiating. The family will receive friends after the service. Ruth Anne loved bright colors and patterns, so please wear your spring and summer colors to honor her!
Private burial will be held at Sumter Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, www.imb.org/generosity/lottie-moon-christmas-offering.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.