Ruby Hovatter Wetzel

1942 - 2026

Ruby Lea Hovatter Wetzel, 83, resident of Kirksey, widow of Cecil Duane Wetzel, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Born in Grafton, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Edith Maxine Nestor and Ira Dorsey Hovatter. A graduate of Belington High School in Belington West Virginia, and Fairmont Business College, Fairmont West Virginia; Mrs. Wetzel formerly worked as an assembler in the aircraft industry at Grimes Aerospace, and retired from the County Bank. Following her retirement, she was employed by Carolina Tool in Greenwood. She was a member of the South Carolina High School Rodeo Association where she served as National Director for twenty-two years. She was also a former member of the South Carolina Wagon Train Association. Mrs. Wetzel had made her home in Greenwood since 1964, and was a faithful member of Mountain Creek Baptist Church where she served in many capacities including serving as Deacon. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a gracious host to everyone who came into her home, making a lasting impression on each of their lives.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her son, Burt Wetzel and wife Diane, of Kirksey; granddaughter Lucy Charping and husband Will of Abbeville; David Barr, raised in the home as a son, and wife Rebecca of Kirksey; Debra Dawson of Kirksey; Eddie "George E" Goldman and wife Lesa; Jamie Owens and family; Brad Bell and family; along with sisters-in-law Leanna Marko of Ravenswood, West Virginia and Carol Hovatter of Moatsville, West Virginia and step-sister-in-law Barbara McDougald of Mannington West Virginia.

Funeral services will take place at 4:00pm Wednesday at Mountain Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Chuck Keller officiating. Pallbearers will be Jamie Owens, Brad Bell, Brandon Long, Eddie "George E " Goldman, Scott Russ, and Dewayne Gaskin.

Burial to follow in the church cemetery.

The family is at her home, and will receive friends Tuesday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Blyth Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Memorials may be made to Mountain Creek Cemetery Fund, c/o Warren Johnson, 1507 Kirksey Pitts Rd., Troy, SC 29848.