Ruby Crosswhite Nelson, 89, widow of Alvis M. "Al" Nelson and Charles "Charlie" Marthers, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024. Born in Glade Spring Virginia on June 7, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Bocy Lawry Crosswhite and Grace Rhudy Crosswhite and the fourth of 14 children.

Ruby graduated from Glade Spring High School. She married Al at the age of 19 and became a military wife. They were married for 37 years. 10 years after his death she married Charles, a Navy Veteran. After Al's retirement from the US Army, Ruby and Al settled in Columbia and raised their daughters. Along with her husband, she owned and operated Nelson's Amoco Service Center on North Main Street from 1970-1983. After her retirement, Ruby became active in the Disabled American Veteran Auxiliary where she served in many leadership roles. She was a longtime member of the Eastern Star Columbia Chapter number 59/Lexington number 176, Amaranth Magnolia Court, and Daughters of the Nile. Ruby was a lifetime member of the DAVA Woodrow Wilson Chapter. She was a volunteer at the Dorn VA and Palmetto Health Richland Volunteer Services for over 20 years. At Prisma Health Richland she was affectionally referred to as "Ms. Ruby the Flower and Mail Lady." Ruby was passionate about her volunteer work and service to others. She was a loving woman who never met a stranger and will be remembered for her kind, generous, and compassionate heart for others. Ruby loved birds, butterflies, and working in her yard. One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother and great grandmother. Her nieces and nephews will tell you, they always remembered her Chihuahuas.

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Sylvia Nelson-Campbell of Jenkinsville, Debra (Debbie) Nelson of Irmo; grandson, Zachary Nelson-Campbell (Cynthia), Colleen Nelson-Campbell, and Amber Nelson-Campbell; great grandchildren, Kylie Campbell, Hunter Sesler, Nessie, and Izzy Deese; brother in law, Robert (Bob) Nelson; brother, Glenn Crosswhite; sister, Mattie Burris; numerous nieces and nephews; and her faithful fur baby Birdie

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was predeceased in death by her son in law, Rev. James Campbell; brothers, Roy, Robert, Marvin, Graham, Fred, Wayne, Edward, and James; sisters, Marie Ellison, Francis Crosswhite, and Patricia McGhee.

The families deepest appreciation to Dr. Jeff Hall, Julie NM, RN, and staff at Richland Family Practice, Prisma Health Hospice staff, Bill and Barbara Shives, and the wonderful staff at Shives Funeral Home for all their love and care over the years.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31st, from 5 until 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. Funeral Rites of the Order of the Eastern Star will be held during the visitation beginning at 6 o'clock. The graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 1st, at 11 o'clock at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Organizations supporting veterans, animals, or a charity of one's choice.