Ruth P. Stockdell, 101, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Falls Church, Virginia, on December 20, 1921, the daughter of George and Rose Pauly.

Educated in Catholic schools in Virginia, she worked for a real estate firm in Washington, DC, until she met her future husband, William Meade Stockdell. They married on her birthday in 1942. She happily became a homemaker, and due to her husband's career with McBee Company, lived in New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and Columbia, South Carolina, until they moved to Chapin on Lake Murray in 1972.

There, Ruth helped found Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. She was the sacricist of the altar linens for over 30 years and an active member of the Ladies Guild and Threads of Love. Ruth was also a member of the Chapin community, including the Chapin Women's Club and Home Arts.

A devoted and loving wife to her husband Meade, Ruth's greatest earthly joy was her family of five children. She proudly undertook her role as wife, mother, and heart of her family, always participating in their school, church, and social activities. Ruth was an excellent cook, coupon shopper, and bridge player at Crooked Creek and a duplicate player at Timberlake Country Club. She excelled at crossword puzzles and word games.

After Meade's retirement in 1986, they traveled to Australia, Alaska, and Mexico, as well as frequent beach trips where they enjoyed a cottage at Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Their home on Lake Murray was the scene of many good times with friends, neighbors, and grandchildren. The couple also played golf at Mid Carolina Country Club, where she made a hole-in-one.

After Meade's death in 2002, she sold her Lake Murray home to her son John in 2008 and moved to the Southwoode subdivision of Generations. There, she happily resided until her death.

Ruth is survived by her five children, Sue Moesley, Bill Stockdell, Mary Ann Beasley, John Stockdell (Laura Lee), and Ruthie Conner (Greg), as well as seven grandchildren, David Alosi (Radhika), Virginia Stockdell (James Davis), Luis Mena (Melanie), Daniel Mena (June), Marshall Stockdell (Bevan), Olivia Conner and Ava Conner. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Laura Riley. In addition, there are ten great-grandchildren. A special thanks to Kimberly Burton for seven years of loving service.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held by the Rev. Robert Morey at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Chapin on Tuesday, August 29th, at 1:30 pm, followed by a graveside interment and a reception. A vigil will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday at the church.

Memorials may be made to MSA Home Health and Hospice, 2228 Harrington Street, Newberry, SC 29108, and to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Chapin, SC 29036.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family at whitakerfuneralhome.com.