Ruth Rainwater

Charlotte – Ruth Emma Combs Rainwater, 93, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 8th, 2016. She was surrounded by love when Jesus came for her at the Hospice House of the Foothills in Landrum, SC. Ruth was born on April 28th, 1923 in Boger City, NC. She is the daughter of the late John Walter and Susie Morrison Combs.

Ruth was a graduate of Lincolnton High School in 1941. She worked for a year in Washington, DC as a file clerk before moving back to Charlotte where she attended King’s College. Ruth worked various jobs including American Oil and retiring from Belk Store Services. She often spoke of the many friends she made along her journey.

She was an active member of Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church and the W.J. Miller Class for nearly 70 years. Some of her many roles included Circle Chairman for 30 years, active member of UMW, Annual BBQ Volunteer, Visitation Committee and Chairman of the Caring & Sharing Committee.

Ruth was a devoted wife of Billy Ray Rainwater for 56 years as well as a wonderful Mother and Nana. She is survived by her sons, Jeff (Charlotte) of Greer, SC and Tommy (Christie) of Belmont, NC; grandchildren, Ashley (Graham) Long and Noah, Emma and Luke Rainwater; great-granddaughter, Emerson Long; and brother, Robert (Shirley) Combs.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Ray Rainwater; brothers, Elbert, James, John and Morrison Combs; sisters, Laura Sherrill, Dot Sfreddo and Lelia Faulk.

The service to honor her life will be held at 2 pm on Monday, August 15th, 2016 at Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church, 501 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 pm on Sunday, the 14th at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC. Interment at Sharon Memorial Park will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church.