Ruth Leah Harris Schechter Collins, aged 98, died in Columbia, SC on Friday, December 21, 2018. Born in Highland Park, NJ, on September 4, 1920, Ruth was the daughter of the late David Harris and Bessie Hand Harris.

After graduating from high school, Ruth studied nursing and received her R.N. degree. She proudly served as a US Army nurse in India from 1942 to 1945. After the war, she attended Teachers College, Columbia University. She married Victor Schechter in 1948 and had three children but was widowed at 38 years of age. Ruth moved with her children to Western NY, where she met and married her second husband, the late Henry Collins.

Ruth is survived by her children, Sara Ann Schechter-Schoeman (Robert Jesselson) of Columbia, Jonathan Schechter of Ortonville, MI, Lauren Rimon (Avner) of Kibbutz Kfar Blum, Israel; and her devoted friend, Mary Catherine Cordaro of Buffalo, NY. Ruth is also survived by five grand-children, Miriam Schoeman, Dmitri Schoeman, Ilan Rimon, Ayla Rimon, Nurit Rimon; seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Ruth is preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Harris Selly, and her step-son, Matthew Schechter.

A graveside service will be held 12 o'clock, Sunday, December 23rd, at Whaley Street Cemetery with Rabbi Jonathan Case officiating. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank the Palmettos at Parklane, which was Ruth's home for the last eight months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beth Shalom Synagogue, 5827 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206 or to the charity of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.