Mattie Ruth Ballentine Stevens, 100, of Columbia, S.C. died Thursday, January 4, 2018 in her home.

Born in Easley, S.C. June 4, 1917, she was the daughter of Louie Herbert and Vida Pearl Sheriff Ballentine. She graduated from Brenau University with a Bachelor's degree in English and Music. She was a retired Richland School District One teacher. During her career, she taught at many different levels: fifth grade through twelfth grade. She was Teacher of the Year at Mill Creek Elementary School 1974-1975. Mattie Ruth was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church and was active in Circle #1. She was past President of the Rose Garden Club. Her hobbies included knitting, needlepointing, and playing bridge. She also enjoyed her lunch bunch group affectionately called "The Naughty Ladies of Shady Lane."

Mattie Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Colonel Edward Alexander Stevens, and her sister, Betty Ballentine Carter (Clinton). She is survived by her sister, Nancy Ballentine Baker, and her daughter, Nancy Stevens Burriss (Francis); three grandchildren, Elizabeth Burriss Teal (Bart), Nancy (Alle) Burriss Denny (Chris), and Louisa (Lisa) Burriss Thornton (Brian); five great grandchildren, Tyler Teal, Courtney Teal, Charles Denny, Leah Thornton, and Andrew Thornton.

The family would like to thank a devoted neighbor, Junie Laughridge, and her family for their very special friendship to Mattie Ruth over the years.

The family also wishes to express their deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to those who have helped give faithful and loving care to "Miss Mattie": Betty Farrow, Margaret P. Mack, Linda McLean, Kiara Slade, Wanda Smothers, Shirley Stribling, Nadine Washington Cornelius, Mary E. Williams and also to the staff at Halcyon Hospice.

The service for Mrs. Stevens will be held 3 o'clock, Sunday, January 7th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, with a visitation to follow. Dr. James I. St. John will officiate. Interment will be private. Memorials may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.