Ruth McNeill Westbury

COLUMBIA – Lida Ruth McNeill Westbury, 94, of Columbia, passed away on June 1, 2025.

A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Bush River Memorial Gardens in Columbia. Visitation with the family will follow from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Ashland Hall, Ashland United Methodist Church.

Born in McColl, South Carolina, on March 11, 1931, Ruth was a cherished wife, a beloved daughter, an admired mother, a deeply respected grandmother, and a treasured friend.

She is survived by her children, Hugh "Mac" Westbury Junior, Jane Westbury, Ann FitzMaurice (Mark), and George Westbury (Kim), and her sister, Nancy Collins. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 70 years, Hugh M. Westbury, who passed away in 2021, her parents, George and Lida McNeill, and brothers Daniel, Neal, George, and Harris. Ruth is also survived by her grandchildren, Caitlan Bell, Zachary Bell, Michael FitzMaurice (Magui), Gregory FitzMaurice, Matt Anderson (Jill), Daniel Anderson, and Lauren Westbury (Nick), and great-granddaughter, Amelia Jane, as well as many nieces and nephews. Her
grandchildren, affectionately known to her as "Granny," were the absolute joys of her life.

A proud graduate and Valedictorian of McColl High School in 1949, Ruth pursued her passion for nursing at Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Charlotte, North Carolina, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1952. She dedicated many years to her profession, working at the South Carolina State Hospital on Bull Street in Columbia from 1966 to 1987, where she rose from a ward nurse to Director of Nursing for several years. Her experiences at the State Hospital are
documented in the book, The South Carolina State Hospital by William Buchheit. Ruth continued her service at DHEC from 1988 until her retirement in 1993.

Ruth was a woman of deep and unfailing faith. An active member of Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church, she served on the mission committee that commissioned Ashland UMC, where she became a charter member in 1979. At Ashland, she served in many capacities and was a vital member of the congregation for over 40 years.

An avid animal lover, Ruth found immense joy in the companionship of her many beloved pets throughout her life. Her passions also included bird watching and gardening. Her love for the ocean was legendary, as was her uncanny ability to bring rain to any beach trip she attended. We are certain that Heaven has welcomed her with great joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210. The family expresses their deepest gratitude to Abbey RoadHospice and to the staff at the Presbyterian Home of Columbia, especially to the staff at Jasmine Place Memory Care for their kind and compassionate care of Ruth.

Temples-Halloran Funeral Home and Bush River Memorial Gardens proudly serves the Westbury family in their time of grief.