Ruth Hopkins

ANDERSON, S.C. -- Ruth Ann Kight Hopkins was born Aug. 3, 1941, to Ernest and Elizabeth Kight in Chaffee, Missouri. She died Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Hospice House in Anderson.

Ruth was married to Mark Hopkins in 1959, and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in late December 2019. The couple was blessed with three children, Sara (Ed Bopp), Amy (Matthew Mason) and Steven (Marie Martin); six grandchildren, Mitch (Ali), Monica, Mike, Madeline, Sophia and Alex; and a great-grandchild, Walker. Ruth is also survived by her brothers, Ernest (Carolyn) Kight and Thomas (Robin) Smith; their children; and many other very dear extended family members.

Ruth was well known in the area as an artist. She was honored by the South Carolina Watermedia Society as a member of excellence. She taught art classes at the Anderson Arts Center for more than 25 years. She was a prolific painter, and many businesses and local collectors have her paintings. Sixteen of her paintings are currently on display at Wren Park in downtown Anderson.

Many organizations honored Ruth over the years, including Anderson University, Cancer Association of Anderson, City of Anderson, Anderson Arts Center and South Carolina Watermedia Society.

Serving as first lady of three colleges, she hosted some of the region's best-known personalities in her home for meals. Some of the names one would recognize include Govs. David Beasley and Carroll Campbell, Sens. Strom Thurman and Fritz Hollings and Civil Rights activists Joseph Roberts and Coretta Scott King.

During her time in Anderson, Ruth was president of Mimosa Garden Club and Anderson Artists Guild. She was a longtime member of Concord Baptist Church, taught a Sunday school class and was a member of the adult choir. She served as the narrator for several special programs by the choir over the years.

Known as a gracious lady and a strong booster of Anderson University, Mimosa Garden Club and Anderson Arts Center, Ruth Hopkins is a name many in the community will know and remember.

A memorial service for Ruth will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Concord Baptist Church. A reception will follow the service where visitors may greet the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 E. Calhoun St. in Anderson.

Standard Cremation and Funeral Center in Anderson is in charge of arrangements.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.standardfuneralcenter.com.