A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia for Ruth Oswalt, 98, of Columbia, who passed away Friday, December 20, 2024. Rev. Reed Houston will officiate the service. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:30 am on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Ruth was a longtime resident of Columbia and a devoted wife of 59 years to Bobby Joe Oswalt. She was a longtime, very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Columbia. Ruth was a vibrant and active member of the community, participating in organizations such as the Cosmopolitan Club, the Junior Auxiliary, and the As You Like It Club. Known for her witty and very "sassy" personality, she enjoyed playing bridge, cross stitching, needlepoint, and the annual tradition of creating festive Christmas yard signs with her husband, Bobby Joe. Many will remember that she was renowned for her delicious "Cheesies." Ruth cherished her family above all else, finding immense joy in her children, grandchildren, and her Lord.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Joe Oswalt; her mother, Ethel Dickson Tillman; her father & stepmother, John Sexton & Kate Tillman; and one great grandchild, Laura Kate Ball.

She is survived by her four daughters, Libby Dunn (Morgan), of Dallas, Texas, Sharon Gates (Ken), of Brandon, Lula Ball (Bobby), of Columbia, Irene Powers (Blair), of Columbia; seven grandchildren, Brian Gates (Christen), Linda Stewart (Troy), Ginny Wilson (Dustin), Jonathan Ball (Lindsay), Benjamin Ball (Katie), Elizabeth Haddox (Kevin), Adam Powers (Katherine); and sixteen great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Adam Powers, Kevin Haddox, Benjamin Ball, Jonathan Ball, Brian Gates, and Dustin Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.act.alz.org.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com