News Summary
On March 7, 2025, Cowpens, SC, mourned the loss of Myrtle ‘Mert’ Ruppe McGinnis, a beloved community member who passed away peacefully at the age of 77. Known for her dedication to education and her church, Mert’s warm spirit and love for family will be forever cherished by her community, particularly her grandchildren.
Cowpens, SC – A Fond Farewell to Myrtle “Mert” Ruppe McGinnis
On a somber day, March 7, 2025, Cowpens, South Carolina, bid farewell to a beloved member of their community, Myrtle “Mert” Ruppe McGinnis. The 77-year-old passed away peacefully at the Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, where she had been receiving care in her final days.
A Life Remembered
Mert was born in Gaffney, SC, raising her roots deep in the Carolinas. She shared a wonderful life with her late husband, George McGinnis, and was a cherished daughter to the late Gilbert Leroy Ruppe and Jeanette Bolin Ruppe. A proud graduate of Gaffney High School, Mert dedicated her career to the local youth as a retired employee of the Spartanburg County School District #3. Embracing the importance of education, she inspired the minds of many children throughout her years of service.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mert was a devoted member of Cowpens First Baptist Church. Her faith was a cornerstone in her life, and she actively participated in her church community. Mert was known far and wide for her warmth, her hearty laughter, and her openness to everyone she encountered. Her family, especially her grandchildren, brought her immeasurable joy, and she absolutely loved spending time with them.
Remembering the Family
Mert leaves behind her loving family—her son, Scott McGinnis, and his partner, Heidi, both from Cowpens, and her daughter, Kelli Ferguson, residing in Stokesdale, NC, along with her husband, Brinkley. Her legacy includes four wonderful grandchildren: Aiden Ferguson, Gunner McGinnis, Bo McGinnis, and Hunter Grace McGinnis. They will always treasure the fond memories shared with their beloved grandmother.
Mert was also blessed with a brother, Reverend Jerry Ruppe, from Forest City, NC, and a sister, Hattie Bolin, from Gaffney, SC. Though she was preceded in death by her sister Lois Robinson, her memory will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.
A Chance to Say Goodbye
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at Blakely Funeral Home. Following the visitation, graveside services will take place at 1:00 PM at Frederick Memorial Gardens, led by her brother, Reverend Jerry Ruppe. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Cowpens First Baptist Church, located at 108 W. Church Street, Cowpens, SC 29330.
The family welcomes friends to their respective homes as they grieve the loss of dear Mert, whose spirit will forever live on in the laughter and love she shared.
For those wishing to sign a guest register or send condolences, an online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com. Mert McGinnis may be gone, but her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will undoubtedly endure.
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Additional Resources
- Gaffney Ledger: Myrtle “Mert” McGinnis
- Wikipedia: Cowpens, South Carolina
- Gaffney Ledger: Linda Grayson
- Google Search: Cowpens SC news
- Blakely Funeral Home: Obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Gaffney Ledger
- Google News: South Carolina
