Rachel Ruff

Frances Rachel Ruff, 63, of Spartanburg, died Thursday, May 12, 2011 at her home. Born March 17, 1948, in Spartanburg, she was the daughter of the late James Pierpont and Ada Smith Lancaster Ruff. Rachel was employed by Milliken & Company after thirty-eight years of service she retired as a horticulturist. Rachel had also worked at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and most recently at Gunter Gardens. She was a graduate of Spartanburg High School, the University of Miami, FL, with a double major in chemistry and biology, and received a horticulture degree from Clemson University. Rachel was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg. Survivors include her sister, Mary Ada Poole and husband Gary of Spartanburg; her brother, Jim Ruff and wife Sharo of Columbia, South America; numerous nieces and nephews, Jeff Phillips and wife Tammy, Ashely Phillips, Sydney Phillips, Vickie and Hope Phillips, Lanie Ruff, Trey Ruff, Ida Marie Ruff, Ada Ruff, and Matthew Ruff; many close cousins; a special friend, Bill Chastain; and her beloved cats. She was predeceased by nephew Nick Phillips. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 19, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, conducted by the Rev. Dr. William P. Lancaster and the Rev. Dr. David Renwick. Visitation will follow the service in the church Parlor. The family is at the home of Mary Ada & Gary Poole. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alive and Well Animal Rescue Center, 1247 Boiling Springs Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or to Mobile Meals Services, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rachel Ruff please visit our Sympathy Store.