Ruth Galloway Charles was born on June 14, 1940, to the late Roberta G. China and  Joseph China, stepfather. She was the oldest of six children.  Ruth completed her primary education through the public school system in Sumter, SC. She began her employment career at Exide Battery as an assembly line worker. She later worked for Campbell Soup Company as a production worker, retiring after many years.   She was a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E., where she served on the Trustee Board, and she was also a member of the adult choir.   Ruth started cooking at a young age and quickly discovered it was one of her greatest joys. She loved preparing meals for her family and was known for many delicious dishes, "you name it."  More than anything, Ruth cherished spending time with her family and friends, creating memories around the table and filling her home with love and laughter. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Roberta G. China and stepfather, Joseph China; three brothers, Frank China, Joseph China, and Herbert China; two sisters,  Barbara China and Helen Galloway-Wiliams; and one brother-in-law, Kenneth Charles.  Ruth Galloway Charles peacefully entered into eternal rest on Monday, July 28, 2025.  Ruth leaves to cherish her memory, five children, Kenneth (Christina) Charles, Roderick (Brenda) Charles, Dwayne Charles, Raymond Charles, and Tonya (Lewis) Mallory; one sister, Shirby (Sammie) Simmons; two brothers, Lawrence (Lois) China and Robert Earl Galloway, a special friend, Floyd Wright; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and dear friends.