BEAUFORT, SC — Anna Ruth (McMillan) Venable passed away peacefully at home in Beaufort, South Carolina, to be with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to William H. and Betty Louise (Hyde) McMillan on December 26, 1938.
She wed Lieutenant Colonel John Clark Venable, USAF, Ret., on March 27, 1969, and he preceded her in death on April 30, 2006. Unto this blessed union were born two daughters, Johanna Catherine and Jennifer Colleen.
Mrs. Venable is survived by Catherine (Celeste Hunt) of Beaufort, South Carolina, Jennifer and Rick (LeeAnne) Kotovsky and their children, Morgan Colleen, Madyson Jo and Hunter Edward; sister Beverly McMillan Hunter of Alexandria, Virginia and her children, Christopher and Amy; brother William McMillan of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and his daughter, Maureen McMillan (Kevin) Ryan of Redlands, California; sister-in-law, Rita Venable (Dr. David) Lehman of Sacramento, California and their children, Amy (Seth), Debby (Justin), and Jessica (Lee); in addition to numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Growing up in a military family, it was only natural she would fall for an officer in uniform. Together they traveled overseas due to John’s postings. Upon their stateside return, their family enjoyed time all over the country, before their military retirement. The family settled in Ballwin, Missouri, which would be where they lived until retirement to Beaufort, South Carolina.
As an officer’s wife, Anna Ruth developed a great talent for entertaining, which she did for many decades in a variety of capacities, but always with zest and style. She was an avid bridge player and continued with weekly groups until just weeks before her passing. She found a wonderful group of ladies through Bridge and loved them dearly.
In addition to her beloved husband, John, and her parents, William and Louise, she was preceded in death by her sister, Johnny Louise McMillan; brother-in-law, Donald Venable; and her beloved Shih Tzu, Winston Beauregard, who will be interred with her.
Graveside services and inurnment will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Beaufort National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation to Leashes of Valor (leashesofvalor.org), which is an organization providing support animals to veterans in need.