Ruth Sheppard Friedell

Ruth Sheppard Friedell COLUMBIA - Mrs. Ruth Sheppard Friedell, age 98, died on October 2, 2013. She was born on August 18, 1915, in Saluda, South Carolina to David Edward Sheppard and Belle Peurifoy Sheppard. Mrs. Friedell was the 9th of their ten children and spent her early childhood on the family farm in Saluda. After graduating from high school, Mrs. Friedell received training as a beautician and worked in a beauty shop in Camden. It was in Camden where she met her future husband, Earl Julius Friedell, who was an instructor for American and British Army military flying cadets during WWII. Shortly after their marriage in 1942, Mr. Friedell was hired as a pilot for Delta Airlines and was based in Atlanta. Mrs. Friedell owned and operated her own beauty shop in the Buckhead area of Atlanta until a job transfer with Delta took the Friedell's to Miami, Florida. After a few years in Miami, the Friedells returned to Georgia, living in College Park, GA. Mrs. Friedell was an active member and children's Sunday school teacher in their church, Good Shepard Lutheran. She was also a leader of her three children's Girl and Boy Scout Troops and the biggest cheerleader and supporter in any sport event, recital, or other activity that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were involved in. Mrs. Friedell was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and sister. She was an excellent cook and nothing made her happier than to prepare a delicious holiday meal for her many family members and friends. She was known for her positive outlook on life, her infectious laugh, her "never give up" attitude, and her love of everything "pink", especially in her clothing. She loved to travel, and shared a keen interest in aviation with her husband that was passed on to her children. All three of her children, a granddaughter and grandson, and son-in-law worked in the aviation field for a time. Mr. and Mrs. Friedell were long time charter members of both Delta Pioneers and Delta Golden Wings Clubs. Upon Mr. Friedell's death in 2004, Mr. and Mrs. Friedell had been married for 62 years. Mrs. Friedell leaves behind a loving family that includes son Earl Julius Friedell, Jr. and his wife Mary Sue of Snellville, GA, Ann Friedell Leichtle and her husband Bob of Columbia, SC, Ronald Michael Friedell and his wife Angie of Columbia, SC; five grandchildren, Kathleen Friedell Pawson and her husband Jim of Buford, GA, Stephanie Leichtle DeFreese and her husband Michael of Columbia, SC, Peter Friedell and his wife Nola of Flowery Branch, GA, Alan Leichtle and his wife Samantha of Columbia, SC, and Zachary Friedell of Cairns, Australia; and nine great-grandchildren, Alex, Hailey, Abby, Payton, Taylor, Rich, Cole, Campbell and Cully. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Friedell was predeceased by her four sisters and five brothers. Although Mrs. Friedell had many special caregivers over the years, none have been more dedicated or a determined advocate for her than her daughter, Ann. Ann's unfaltering love and care of her mother is greatly appreciated by her brothers and the rest of the family. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 P.M., on Friday, October 4, 2013 at Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209, with Chaplain Vickie Powell officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:30 P.M., on Friday, October 4, 2013 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. Friends and relatives may view this obituary at www.greenlawn-columbia.com.