Ruth Dillingham Palmer (nee Lambert), born on June 5, 1934, passed away on January 15, 2025, after a long illness.

Ruth was born in Lancaster, SC to William Pinckney Lambert and Iva Garrison Lambert. She was preceded in death by her sons Rex H. Dillingham, III and Phillip I. Dillingham; her parents; and her brothers Emmett Lambert, William Lambert, Jack Lambert, and Fred Lambert. Her husband, H. Bruce Palmer of Tryon, NC also preceded her in death. Mrs. Palmer is survived by a loving family including her two daughters, Leslie Ruth Dillingham and Regina Ruth Shillinglaw (nee Dillingham) of Dayton, OH as well as three grandchildren: Wesley W. Dillingham of Ipswich, MA, and Jackson P. and Anna L. Shillinglaw of Dayton, OH. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren of Ipswich, MA, Lilah Dillingham and Bennett Dillingham, and Ruth's beloved sister Kathryn Lambert Motsinger of Kernersville, NC, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Palmer was respected and loved by many friends and was known as a deeply faithful woman. She leaned on God in times of loss and pain and gave God abundant thanks in times of joy. She uplifted all who knew her through her faith and brought the reassurance of God's love and His word to her family and those who knew her. Ruth was quiet, resolute and gentle in her faith, demonstrating her devotion to God through her love of the Bible, her habits and her reliance on scripture when facing times of hardship.

Ruth received an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina. She was the proprietor of several antique businesses in Upstate South Carolina and in Tryon, NC. Those who knew her appreciated her passion for antiques and her knowledge of the history represented in them.

Mrs. Palmer had a rare combination of gifts. In addition to her faith, she was known for her kindness, intelligence, creativity, wisdom, and humor. Ruth was a beautiful, graceful, poised and gentle woman. She possessed a unique strength that provided her fortitude and resilience to face life's many hardships. She was a deeply devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She had special ways of showing her love to her family and others in ways that will be long-remembered and missed. Ruth was also a talented pianist. She was introduced as a child to classical piano by her brother Jack, and she delighted in playing the piano for a lifetime. She was also a wonderful painter, gardener, writer, decorator, and collector of many lovely linens, art and antiques. She was incredibly well-read and enjoyed discussing history, religion, politics, and the fine arts. Mrs. Palmer had a wonderful sense of humor; those close to her recall many gatherings filled with lots of laughter and often silliness! Our mother was a delightful person with an uncommon ability to simultaneously demonstrate deep wisdom, gentleness, integrity, intellect, and levity. Those of us who hold her dear will always be guided by her love and her example.

Services will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025 (weather allowing) at Tryon Presbyterian Church at 430 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, NC.

Family will receive friends an hour prior to the service in the narthex.

Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Graceworks Lutheran Services (Bethany Village) at https://graceworks.org/support/donate or 6430 Inner Mission Way, Dayton, OH 45459.