Virginia Ruth Matthews Davis, known as Ruth, passed away peacefully in her home on January 29, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina, at the age of 93. Born on July 15, 1932, in Tifton, Georgia, Ruth lived a life marked by adventure, resilience, joy, and a deep connection to her family and those around her.

Ruth’s Favorites & Passions

• Deeply patriotic—Ruth wanted all her family members who served in the military to know how much she appreciated their sacrifice and service.

• Amazing Spirit— Ruth embraced life with enthusiasm. In her youth, she loved to dance — a reflection of the vibrant energy that remained with her throughout her life. Additionally, Ruth enjoyed walking the beaches of Florida and stargazing on clear nights.

• An avid reader—Ruth could easily finish a book a day, especially if it was a good mystery!

• Purple—Ruth's favorite and signature color, and she was always drawn to anything in that beautiful hue.

• Trees—Ruth loved trees, though oak trees and weeping willows were her absolute favorites. She often reminisced about sitting on a beloved tree branch that dipped over the water during her years of living in Florida. Any photograph or artwork of a similar tree would immediately capture her heart, and she simply had to have it.

• Favorite poem— Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep by Mary Elizabeth Frye, which was posted in Ruth's room and reflected her strong belief in continuing on beyond this earthly life.

• Favorite song—The Highwayman, performed by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. If each of us had a theme song, this would have been Ruth's.

• Diet Pepsi— no one who knew Ruth will ever forget her fondness for Diet Pepsi— a simple pleasure that never failed to bring a smile to her face. One of her favorite photos was her giving her granddaughter, Isabella, her first taste of Diet Pepsi.

Spirit, Strength and Stories of Ruth

Throughout her life, Ruth was known for her adventurous spirit, humor, and unwavering strength. She was proudly known as a “rebel,” and embraced that title wholeheartedly! Always ready for the next adventure, she loved riding on the back of her nephew’s motorcycle, taking hot air balloon and helicopter rides, and whitewater rafting down the Chattanooga. Just a week ago, Ruth said she regretted never jumping out of an airplane and declared she would gladly do it now at age 93 if anyone would let her.

She loved telling stories from her teenage years about defying her mother’s wishes not to fly with a pilot friend of hers. After one such flight, when her mother asked if she had been in the airplane that flew over the house one afternoon, Ruth rebelliously replied, “Yes, that was me!”

Ruth’s life was guided by a steadfast work ethic, a heart devoted to family, and a genuine joy for the people she met on her journey. She began working behind the counter at her uncle’s pharmacy in Tifton at just 10 years old. She would walk to school, then walk to work and work until 10 p.m., and finally walk home at night. When asked how she did it all at such a young age, she would laugh and say, “Because I loved working! If I didn’t go to school, they wouldn’t let me work— so I did both!”

After graduating from Tift County High School in 1949, her professional career began with Diana Shops in 1951. Starting as a cashier, she was promoted just two years later to store manager at only 20 years old— becoming the youngest manager in the entire Diana chain of 325 stores. She earned numerous awards and trips for her sales, management, and leadership skills. As manager of the Milledgeville store, Ruth was honored as Diana’s Queen for 1966–1967 and received recognition for best store operation— achievements that reflected both her talent and her passion for her work. In 1976, she ended a remarkable 25-year career with Diana Shops.

Ruth’s love of work and sense of purpose continued with positions as a floral designer for Carolina Pottery and a cashier for S&S Cafeteria in Macon, Georgia, and later as a Customer Service Representative with U.S. Airways in Charlotte, NC. These roles suited her perfectly, allowing her to do what she loved most— connect with people. Her warmth and attentiveness left lasting impressions on colleagues and customers alike.

Ruth's Final Wishes:

Spirited, fearless, and unapologetically herself, Ruth was a role model in the truest sense. In leu of a tradition funeral, she requested a joyful Celebration of Life in her hometown of Tifton, Ga and that her ashes be spread along the beach in St. Augustine, Florida. Details regarding her Celebration of Life service are currently being finalized and will be announced at a later date. She also asked that her loved ones think of her whenever they see the color purple, hear the song “The Highwayman,” or plant a tree.

She is lovingly remembered and survived by her daughter, Michelle Davis Drury and her husband, Gary Drury; her daughter, Judy Avery; her son-in-law, Richard “Dickie” Robbins; her granddaughters, Isabella Riggs and Leah Robbins; and her grandson, Richard Robbins. She is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Ellis Davis, Jr.; her daughter, Terrie Ann Davis Robbins; her mother, Bessie Lou Walters Matthews; her father, Thomas Homer Matthews, Sr.; her brother, Thomas Homer Matthews, Jr.; and her sisters, Vivian Lindsey, Marie Shipley, Wylene Jackson, and Maxine Keoughan.

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