Ruth "Scrappy" Starnes Wherry, 96, widow of Harper Ross Wherry, died on October 21, 2019 in the Folk Unit of JF Hawkins Nursing Home, Newberry. She was born November 27, 1922 in Whitmire, a daughter of the late Arthur William and Teadie Pilgrim Starnes. Mrs. Wherry graduated from Clinton High School in 1939, where she earned the nickname of "Scrappy" on the basketball court for her determination and feistiness. She worked in Joanna Mills until she moved to Newberry where she worked downtown at Tots to Teens for 15 years. Mrs. Wherry was a woman of great faith and was active in both churches she attended during her lifetime. At First Baptist in Newberry, she taught Sunday school and Acteens, directed Woman's Missionary Union and sang in the choir. In Batesburg, she taught Girls Auxiliary at First Baptist Church. In her later years she found travel to be a great joy and often entertained tour groups with her lively sense of humor. She was blessed with a love of life and her family will cherish the "Scrappy Tales and Times" and the many moments of joy shared with her. Mrs. Wherry was pre-deceased by a first husband, Willis Phillips, Jr. of Joanna, who lost his life serving his country as a paratrooper on D-Day. She was the widow of Harper Wherry and is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Margaret (nee Wherry) and Heber Long of Newberry; grandchildren, Alison Ruth (Fred) Deal of Greenwood; Josh Long of Newberry; Will (Kelly) Long of Newberry; Margaret Ann (Todd) Hipp of Saluda; and great-grandchildren, Reed Deal, Hunter Long, Kolton Long, and Faith Long. She will also be mourned by many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Wherry was also predeceased by siblings: "Bud" Starnes, Denny Moore, Anne Cockran, Willa Mae Bouchyard, Lorrine Girk, Sarah Hazel, Cleo Darnell, Ray Robert and Nellie Irene. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 22 from 6:00–7:00 pm at Whitaker Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 23 at 2:30 pm at First Baptist Church in Newberry conducted by the Rev. Dr. Albert Allen. Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. Pallbearers will be members of the family: Josh Long, Will Long, Reed Deal, Hunter Long, Fred Deal, and Todd Hipp. Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, 1020 Boundary St., Newberry, SC 29108; to Alzheimer's Association, 140 Stoneridge Dr, #210, Columbia, SC 29210 or to the Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate. The family thanks Springfield Place, J F Hawkins Nursing Home and MSA Hospice for their devoted care of "Scrappy". On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.