Ruth Esbenshade Wrigley

Ruth Esbenshade Wrigley, 87, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 25, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Edward Wrigley, Sr. and son, Jay Charles Wrigley.

Born on September 7, 1936 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Jay Bowers and Virginia Rice Esbenshade.

Ruth retired as a U.S. Correctional Officer for the State of South Carolina.  She was an active member for 50 years with the Fraternal Order of Eastern Star (O.E.S.), a member of Leslie Zemp # 111 Chapter in Camden, SC, and loved traveling across the State of South Carolina in fellowship with her brothers and sisters of O.E.S.  Ruth held many appointments over the years and she was currently appointed Special Grand Page to Grand Trustee, Susan L. Johnson, PGM, Chairperson; Grand Representative to New York; Assistant to Grand Warder; and Triennial Special Assistant-Faithful Notes. Ruth loved playing cards  with all her card group friends; was an active member with Sumter Newcomers; and the Red Hats. 

Ruth is survived by her children, Leonard E. Wrigley, Jr. (Telaina) of Clarksville, TN; Mark S. Wrigley (Tina) of Sumter, SC; Frederick A. Wrigley (Loretta) of Chapin, SC; and Virginia Wrigley Sill (Michael) of Louisville, KY; 20 grandchildren; a multitude of great-grandchildren; and her beloved Chihuahua, Chico.

In addition to her husband and parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved brothers and sisters Ira Spencer Esbenshade, Robert E. Esbenshade, John R. Esbenshade, Clyde K. Esbenshade, Evelyn Esbenshade Coldren and Jayne Ruth Jolly.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Marvis L. Stewart officiating.  Burial with Eastern Star Rite will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, in Sumter, South Carolina.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00-3:00pm, Monday, January 29th, 2024 at Bullock Funeral Home.

Memorials can be made to ESTARL in c/o Kathy Gerner, PGM and Grand Secretary, 532 Greenbriar Drive, Seneca, SC 29678.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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