Ruth Oswalt
98, Columbia
Graveside services were held at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, in Woodlawn Cemetery for Ruth Oswalt, 98, of Columbia, who passed away on Friday, Dec. 20. Rev. Reed Houston officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Hathorn Funeral Home. 
She was a longtime resident of Columbia and a devoted wife of 59 years to Bobby Joe Oswalt. She was a longtime and very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Columbia. She was a vibrant and active member of the community, participating in organizations such as the Cosmopolitan Club, 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." She 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; mother, Ethel Dickson Tillman; father and stepmother, John Sexton and Kate Tillman; and one great-grandchild, Laura Kate Ball.
Survivors include her four daughters, Libby Dunn (Morgan) of Dallas, Texas, Sharon Gates (Ken) of Brandon, Lula Ball (Bobby) of Columbia and 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) and Adam Powers (Katherine); and 16 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were 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.
Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
