Cleora Ruth Egner, age 89, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, formerly of Gallipolis, passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday morning, January 5, 2013, at the Tidelands Community Hospice House in Georgetown, South Carolina. Born October 30, 1923, in Ashland, Kentucky, she was the oldest child of the late Russell and Lillian Hart Conley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband, James Egner, whom she married in 1947 and preceded her in 1949 after a brief illness.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Berea College, Kentucky, and chose to become an elementary school teacher. She taught in several schools in the Dayton, Ohio, area, but most of her career was spent teaching in the Gallipolis City Schools. She took great pride in being a teacher. Upon retiring, she moved to Orrville, Ohio, to be near her daughter’s family. While there, she enjoyed working for several years at the Orville Public Library. She recently moved with the family to South Carolina to enjoy a warmer climate. She remained a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Gallipolis.

During the years, Cleora had many favorite past times, she liked to read, paint, do various arts and crafts, sew, travel and do crossword puzzles. She very much enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

She is survived by her daughter, Kay (Charles) Burnett of South Carolina; one granddaughter, Kate of North Carolina; one grandson, Russ of North Carolina; one great-grandson, Ty of California; one sister, Virginia Swain of Ohio; one brother, Donald Conley of California; and by several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind Spanky, the perfect cat.

A private graveside service will be held. Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home is assisting the family.

An online guest registry is available at www.waugh-halley-wood.com.