Ruth Lewis Hart

Augusta, GA---Mrs. Ruth Lewis Hart went to be with her Lord early Sunday, February 28, 2010 surrounded by her loving family members. In the final days of her life, the outpouring of love from her immediate and extended family, as well as a host of friends, was a tribute to the life she lived while she walked among us.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, today Tuesday, March 2, 2010 in the Platt’s Crawford Avenue Chapel, Augusta, Georgia, with Reverend Alan Faulkner and Reverend Fred Gunter officiating. Committal services will be held at 4:00 pm, today Tuesday, at the Swain Funeral Home, 1632 Hatch Pkwy North (US Hwy 1 North), Baxley, Georgia, with Mrs. Eleanor Wells delivering the eulogy. Interment will be at the Omega Cemetery, in Baxley.

Ruth was born in the family home on January 29, 1923 in Baxley, Georgia, to parents Claude Lee and Ida Mae Lewis. She was one of five children. Her rich Christian heritage was established early on by her parents. She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Baxley, Georgia. Her life was greatly influenced by her parents’ example, as well as the training she received in her church.

In 1941 she married Milton Smith Hart of Savannah, Georgia and they enjoyed sixty one years together. They were active members of The Hill Baptist Church for many years. Ruth continued her lifelong pursuit of missions through her work in WMU, as well as her ministry to those in need, many of them strangers.

Mrs. Hart was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Smith Hart, parents, Claude Lee Lewis and Ida Mae Thomas Lewis, sisters, Gwendolyn Lewis Nasworthy, Martha Claude Lewis and brother, Jerry Filmore Lewis.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Sandra Hart Wade and husband Harry Woodward Wade, two granddaughters Melanie Wade Larsen and husband Thomas Neil Larsen, Catherine Wade Wahl and husband Philip Russell Wahl, great grandchildren Olivia Hart Wahl and India Elizabeth Wahl, her brother, William Lee “Billy” Lewis and wife Betty, her uncle Lemuel Britt Thomas, a host of nieces and nephews and her dearest friends Irvine and Willie Mae Faulkner. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.

Throughout her life, she touched many lives by her Christian example of selfless living, compassion, and love. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends at Platt’s Crawford Avenue, today Tuesday, beginning at 10:00 am, until the time of services.

Pallbearers will be Irvine Faulkner, Phil Wahl, Tom Larsen, Mike Page, John Bowen, Bill Sailors, and Jim Reynierson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of The Ruth Sunday School Class of The Hill Baptist Church. Pallbearers, in Baxley, will also include nephews, Jeff Lewis, John Lewis, Phil Lewis and Patrick Lewis.

If so desired, memorials may be made to The Hill Baptist Church, 2165 Kings Way, Augusta, GA 30904 or to the Charity of your choice.