Mrs. Ruth Davidson Carlisle
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Mrs. Ruth Davidson Carlisle

  • October 27, 1921 - December 15, 2011
  • Columbia, South Carolina
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Memories & Candles

“My deepest sympathy to Ruth's family. Ruth will be so missed by me and all her friends in Ikebana. I will miss her as a dear friend and her love of...Read More » ”
1 of 11 | Posted by: Beverly Brooks - Columbia, SC

“Jim, please accept my condolences to you and your family. ”
2 of 11 | Posted by: Tom Landrum - Columbia, SC

“Mrs Carlisle was always an absolute joy to talk with over the phone long distance and she was a tremendous wife, mother, grandmother and friend to...Read More » ”
3 of 11 | Posted by: Ralph and Annie Pace - Nashville, TN

“Heaven surely waited a long time for your precious mother / grandmother! Ruth was so kind to me during all the years our families shared at church...Read More » ”
4 of 11 | Posted by: Ginny Lentz - Asheville, NC

“Carolyn and Heyward, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, and we are so sorry for your loss in the...Read More » ”
5 of 11 | Posted by: William M. Warlick - Charleston, SC

“I am so sorry to hear this news about dear Ms. Ruth. I have so many fond memories of visiting with her and with Mr. Bill in their home and at church...Read More » ”
6 of 11 | Posted by: The Reverend Rebecca "Becky" J. Shirley - SC

“On behalf of the Kososki family, I wish to express our deepest condolences to the Carlisle family at the passing of Ruth. She was a fine lady and a...Read More » ”
7 of 11 | Posted by: Carol Kososki - Columbia, SC

“To my dear neighbors - Tau, Carolyn, Tommy, Margie and Jim. Growing up next door to the Carlisle clan was an experience in joyful chaos and we...Read More » ”
8 of 11 | Posted by: Becky Wyffels - Marshall, MN

“Our deepest sympathies to my Carolina cousins Tau, Carolyn, Tommy, Margaret, Jimmy, and their families. With much love from Tarlton, Wendy, Nigel,...Read More » ”
9 of 11 | Posted by: Tarlton and Wendy Fleming

“Ruth is an inspiration. She will be missed. Special prayers being said for her family. ”
10 of 11 | Posted by: Margaret Haffner - SC

“The staff of Dunbar Funeral Home extends sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Ruth Davidson Carlisle. ”
11 of 11 | Posted by: Jeffrey Temples - Columbia, SC


COLUMBIA Ruth Davidson Carlisle, 90, died Thursday, December 15, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 20, 2011 from 4 to 6:00 p.m. at her home. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
Born October 27, 1921 in Plains, Ga., Ruth was the daughter of the late Mettauer E. Davidson and Ruby Timmerman Davidson. As a young girl, her family moved to Burlington, N.C. for a few years before settling in Raleigh, N.C. Ruth graduated from Needham Broughton High School and earned a degree in Sociology from Judson College in 1942. After graduation, she worked at N.C. State as a staff assistant in the Modern Languages Department.
During World War II, Ruth worked with the American Red Cross at Camp Blanding, Florida, where she met and married William A. "Bill" Carlisle on February 17, 1945. They were happily married for 54 years until his death in 1999.
In 1946, the couple relocated to Columbia, where Bill joined the architectural firm of Stork and Lyles, predecessor to Lyles, Bissett, Carlisle and Wolff Architects / Engineers / Planners. Ruth joined the Architectural Auxiliary.
Ruth and Bill were charter members of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, founded in 1954. Through the church, Ruth taught Sunday School, was a Girl Scout leader, and was a member of the Olive Moffatt Circle. She served her community through Meals on Wheels and entertained many through her talented piano playing. She was an active member of Ikebana International Chapter 182, the Hyacinth Garden Club, and the Quadrille Society. She was also an honorary member of the Clemson Class of '39.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband; her brother, Mettauer E. Davidson; and her sister, Elisabeth D. Fleming. She is survived by her five children, Mettauer L. Carlisle (Holly), Carolyn C. Douglass (Heyward), Thomas A. Carlisle (Marguerite), James T. Carlisle (Melody), and Margaret E. Zubizarreta (John); eight grandchildren, Will D. Carlisle (Carolyn), Wade M. Carlisle, Thomas H. Douglass, Elisabeth C. Douglass, James Carlisle, Catherine Carlisle, Anna Ruth Zubizarreta, Maria Zubizarreta; and one great grandchild, Davidson Lee Carlisle.
Ruth's generous and kind nature, her unshakeably positive approach to life and its foibles, and her spirited sense of fun will be missed by her family and those who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, 3401 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204 and the Asian Gardens of Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210.