Obituary of Ruth Frances Wertz

With saddened hearts, we announce the death of Ruth Frances Wertz, age 73 of Sumter, SC, on July 8, 2023, after a struggle with cancer. Born June 26, 1950, in Gretna, VA, Ruth was the daughter of James Edgar Wertz Jr. and Cora Farmer Wertz and stepdaughter of Vergie Merricks Agee Wertz, all predeceased. She was a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Immediate survivors include brothers James Ramsey (Mary) Wertz of Gretna, VA; Robert Hampton (Donna) Agee, and Wayne Merricks Agee of Danville, VA; sisters Cora Farmer Wertz Plass of Alexandria, VA and Melinda Paige Agee of Avondale Estates, GA; nephew James Ramsey Wertz Jr. of Lynch Station, VA; niece Mary Elizabeth Wertz Elliott of Chatham, VA; treasured cousins; dear friends; and cherished pets, Gigi, Tootsie, Honey, and Bunny. Ruth was a dedicated employee who held a variety of positions, including bookkeeper at First Federal Bank, office manager at Belk department store, and front office associate at resorts in Hilton Head and Haig Point. She was best known for her love of animals, rescuing and lovingly caring for many dogs and cats throughout her life and volunteering at local shelters. Other passions included the theater, gardening, old movies, and lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Family and friends adored her beautiful smile, bubbly energy, artsy-ness, and most of all, her generous spirit. Private ash scattering ceremonies to celebrate Ruth’s life will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions honoring Ruth’s memory may be sent to: Sumter SPCA Humane Organization (sumterhumanesociety.org) 1140 South Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150 Unity Worldwide Ministries, Unity Prayer Ministry (unity.org) 1901 NW Blue Parkway Unity Village, MO 65065 Foundation for Women’s Cancer (foundationforwomenscancer.org) 230 West Monroe Street, Suite 710 Chicago, IL 60606 Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.