Ruth Diehl

1926 - 2023

Ruth Bachman Diehl died July 9, 2023, at the age of 97 in her home.
She was born in Butler, on March 27, 1926, to Edward and Pearl (Beggs) Bachman. The Bachmans were lifelong dairy farmers. Ruth was proud of the farm, but not one to enjoy the chores. She loved to roller skate and regularly slipped away to the rink for a fun time with friends. After graduating from Butler High School, she worked at a local bank until she married Fritz Diehl in 1948 and they set out on their life's journey.
As Fritz pursued his education and career, Ruth proudly continued her work in banking until she had two daughters, both born in Nashville, Tenn. She took charge of the homefront and their social life as they moved over a dozen times from Florida to Michigan during his career. With kids and dog in tow, Ruth was strong and unwavering in her efforts to have a life of high standards.
Each new location required new schools, new routines, new doctors and new social activities. She sewed and made many fine clothes for the girls. Ruth loved the art of cards and played bridge regularly. She enjoyed many outdoor activities and found the sun and water (pool, lake or beach) wherever she traveled.
Once the girls were in grade school, Ruth learned to golf. With her social graces, she made many wonderful friends through the years. At every new location, they would sightsee, enjoy the local attractions, frequent the local markets and have elegant evenings out. Ruth joined Fritz in a year's long adventure overseas in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the mid-1970s.
Then in 1980, while on vacation with a dear friend, Ruth found an overgrown plot of land at Sams Point on Lady's Island, Beaufort, S.C. She knew it was meant to be the next chapter in their life's story. There, they built their house, home and a life they loved for over 40 years. She enjoyed the Lowcountry life, teaching her grandson to ride the waves at Hunting Island. Never idle, she could be found fishing, crabbing, shrimping, vegetable and floral gardening and exploring local markets and boutiques.
She earned her Master Gardener certification and pursued many sewing and knitting projects. Ruth continued to play bridge and golf into her late 80s at the Lady's Island Club. "Granna was fun just like Lucy" and her grandson always looked forward to his Sams Point visit. With loving, expert care, and aid provided by Melissa and James Driscoll Sr. and their family, Ruth was active to her last days and still loved catching daily sun on her porch.
She was preceded in death by her husband Fritz in January 2021; they shared 73 years of marriage. Ruth's smile showed up ahead of her and perfectly fit her wit and charm. She will be missed by her family and friends.
Ruth is survived by two daughters and a grandson. First daughter, Dana Gautier, and her husband Randy, of Brookhaven, Atlanta, Ga. and their son, her sole grandchild, Kevin Gautier, of Marietta, Ga.; and her second daughter, Gina Diehl, and her husband, Steve Donohue, of Austin, Texas.
Ruth will be buried with Fritz in Beaufort National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the United Way of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901.
Copeland Funeral Service has assisted the Diehl family with arrangements.