Ruth Thompson

Ruth DeLoache Thompson of Spartanburg died at home on Sunday, August 5, 2018. Born in Saluda, SC, on May 30, 1923, she was the fifth of seven children born to the late James Nathaniel and Mary Lester DeLoache. She was married to Fletcher D. Thompson for 72 years, until his death in December 2017. After graduating as valedictorian of her class at Saluda High School, she enrolled at Spartanburg Junior College, now Spartanburg Methodist College, where she was editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper. There, she met Fletcher, then an upperclassman, and the couple maintained a lifelong commitment to the college. Following her graduation in 1942, she was employed by the college as secretary to then-President Rembert B. Burgess for three years. In 1945, after her husband was appointed a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Mrs. Thompson moved to Washington, DC, and worked for Eli Lilly and Company. Thereafter, FBI assignments took the couple to Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio (1949-55); Savannah, Georgia (1955-61); Washington, D.C. (1961-69); Mobile, Alabama (1969-70); Omaha, Nebraska (1971-73); and ultimately back to Washington, DC (1973-75). In every locale, Mrs. Thompson was involved in her children's school and extracurricular activities, especially the Girl Scouts. She taught Sunday School, helped with the children's church choirs, and did weekly volunteer work for the American Red Cross and other community service organizations. She also made a point to reach out to FBI families, often hosting gatherings in her home. After her husband's retirement from the FBI in 1975, the family returned to Spartanburg. To all who knew her, Mrs. Thompson was an inspiration as a cancer survivor, following spinal surgery in 1977. Every day since then, through exercise and determination, she worked to keep walking. She enjoyed a lifetime of gardening and is remembered for her gracious hospitality, typically a meal on the porch overlooking her garden or a pecan pie for a neighbor and always chocolate chip cookies for her grandchildren. For more than 35 years, Mrs. Thompson was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and its Loyalty Sunday School Class, Circle Six of the United Methodist Women, and the Cherry Laurel Garden Club. She was a regular patron of the YMCA, where she participated in water exercise classes. She is survived by her four children and nine grandchildren: Jennie Lee Thompson and her husband Robert Levy of Washington, DC, and daughter Ariel Levy (John); Rebecca Lynn Thompson and her husband William H. Brent of Arlington, Virginia, and children James (Nora) and Caroline Ruth Brent (Tracey); Laurie Thompson Williams and her husband Joshua Williams of Knoxville, Tennessee, and children Rachel DeLoache, Jennie Katherine, and Noah Thompson Williams; and James Fletcher Thompson and his wife Mia Hodge Thompson of Spartanburg, and daughters West, Julia, and Kempson Thompson. She was predeceased by her siblings, James Lester, Kempson, Mary, and Paul DeLoache. She is survived by her sisters, Dora Hare of Candler, North Carolina and Sara Gibson of Sumter, SC, as well as eight nieces and nephews and their children. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM Friday, August 17, 2018, in the Davis Chapel at Spartanburg Methodist College, 1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301, with Rev. Ben L. Barnett, Senior Pastor, Bethel United Methodist Church, and Rev. Timothy C. Drum, SMC Chaplain, officiating. The family will receive friends immediately after the service in the Buchheit Board Room, which is adjacent to the Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Spartanburg Methodist College, 1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301; Bethel United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 245 Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306; or the charity of your choice. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruth DeLoache Thompson please visit our Sympathy Store.