Ruth Wingard Hook

Ruth Wingard Hook

(1911-2018)

Ruth Wingard Hook passed away peacefully at age 106 on August 5, 2018, in Lexington, SC. She was the widow of Knowlton McLean Hook and daughter of the late Charles Alford and Lula Fulmer Wingard.

Mrs. Hook was born November 20, 1911, on the Chapin side of the Saluda River and was baptized in St. Michael’s Lutheran Church when she was five days old because they feared she was not going to live. Her family home, farm and school are now covered by Lake Murray. Prior to the construction of the lake, her father bought a farm and moved the family to the Lexington side of the river. Born in mule and buggy days with no electricity and many other modern-day comforts of life, she witnessed inventions and events that changed the world.

After graduating from Lexington High School in 1930, she attended a business college in Columbia and worked part time at the Federal Land Bank. Following college graduation, she worked for the Farm Security Agency in Edgefield, Chester and Lexington. She married Knowlton in 1942 and returned to work as the first secretary of the Lexington County Farm Bureau office after their three children were born. She retired in 1979 after 27 years of service. Her entire life was spent on the farm and her vocation was always farm-related.

Mrs. Hook was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lexington, SC, as long as her health permitted. She was their oldest ever living member and served as organist for 50 years. She was also a member of the South Carolina Farm Bureau and a past member of the American Legion Post #7 Women’s Auxiliary.

Sharing was always one of the many things she did, whether it was food, flowers from her yard or her handmade items. She planted a vegetable garden up until the summer before her 100th birthday and was always working in her flowers. She loved to sew, crochet, quilt and tat. Many family and friends were given these handmade items through the years to enjoy and cherish.

Mrs. Hook is survived by her children, Frances Price (Phil) of Gilbert and Walter Hook (Cindy) of Lexington, and son-in-law Dale Boozer of Columbia; grandchildren, John Price (Linda) of Columbia, Jake Price (Dana) of Gilbert, Billy Boozer (Amy) of Lexington, Robert Boozer (Allison) of Greenville, Loni Rikard, Claudia Long (Steven) and Heather Young (Matt) all of Lexington, Jessica Lance (Brian) of Madison, GA, and grandson-in-law Brian Boone of Charlotte, NC; 13 great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Meredith Price, Whitney Boozer, Lindsey and Lillie Boone, Greyson and Ellis Boozer, Carly and Noah Rikard, Claire and Tillman Long, Asher Young and baby girl Lance, who is expected in January. She is also survived by her sister, Julia Raines of Columbia and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband and parents, daughter Nancy Boozer, granddaughter Kathy Boone and siblings Helen Hook (Floyd), Carl Wingard (Cecil), Ray Wingard (June), Robert Wingard (Mary Ellen “Sue”), Kathryn Liverman (J.S.), Elsie Raye Hook and W.P. Raines.

The family sincerely thanks the staff at Morningside of Lexington and All Seasons Health Care for all the love and care they gave her during the last several years of her life. She was affectionately referred to by the staff as “Mama Hook” or “Grandma.” We also thank the many people who visited her over the years as she always loved to sit and talk.

Visitation will be August 7, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Barr-Price Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. Services will be August 8, 2018, at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 213 St. John’s Church Road, Lexington, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in her memory to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the South Carolina Farm Bureau Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 754, Columbia, SC 29202.

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