Ruth Elizabeth Anderson

Ruth Elizabeth Anderson, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, in Greenville, SC, at the age of 89. Born on April 21, 1936, in Johnstown, PA, Ruth's life was a testament to the power of the enduring strength of family bonds.

Ruth was the cherished daughter of the late Sue and William Millinder and grew up surrounded by the warmth of her siblings Susan Barrett, MaryAnn Block, and the late Larry and Warren Millinder. Her life was further enriched by her loving marriage to the late Bryce Wilfred Anderson.
A devoted mother, Ruth's love knew no bounds when it came to her children, Bryce William Anderson, Joni Schad, John Anderson, Jennifer Burns, and Amiee Girardeau. Ruth's joy was multiplied through her 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought a unique light into her life.

We, her grandchildren, are the fortunate ones. Grannie was honest, funny, and never afraid to offer her wisdom without pretense. She was the heartbeat of our family, the voice that spoke truth with love, the laugh that could fill a room, and the hands that always found something to make or share. As the matriarch of our family, she was the center that kept our family close through every holiday, every gathering, and every small moment that became a cherished tradition.

The memories we share here are more than just recollections; they are our way of carrying Grannie with us, of keeping her spirit alive, and of passing her wisdom, humor, and warmth on to our children and the generations that will follow. These are the stories, lessons, and laughter that made her who she was, that continue to shape us, and that will be part of our family always.

Grannie taught us to appreciate the greatness of small moments in a big way. From the tiniest bird to the flowers in her garden, the sound of the ocean, and the seashells (even though she made up the names). She taught us to spend time feeling the blazing sun on our skin, warming more than to the touch, and the way it throws magic through glass.

She raised strong adults. Who, in turn, followed her example and raised and are raising strong men and women. Being strong and mighty for Grannie wasn’t through physical strength, but determination and grit. And a lot of stubbornness. “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” Grannie was spirited and strong-willed, yet deeply caring. Her pride in her family shone through in everything she did, and she had a way of teaching us life’s lessons with both love and laughter, including the important lesson that “jackass” is a term of endearment.

Her care in making family moments memorable was unmistakable. From the cookie trays she artfully arranged each Christmas, which we all feverishly try to recreate, to her cherished ornaments and twinkling glass figures, every detail held meaning. Even something as simple as
her meat, cheese, and pickle tray became a tradition so ingrained that no one watches a Steelers game without it.

These were the traditions she taught us, and they continue to bring joy and connection to our family; a legacy even our young children already delight in carrying forward. To those who read this and think this is a list of memories, it is much more than that. It is
a promise, carefully tucked in our hearts, to pass on to our children. Not in hopes that they will, but in certainty, pass it on to theirs because living with this love, joy, passion, and beauty that Grannie taught us is the only way to live. Without a doubt, anyone who encounters a part of the Anderson family will recognize her spirit and say, even in her absence, “Here she comes!”