Ruby Melton Boatman

Ruby Melton Boatman, 94, of Florence, SC, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at home surrounded by her family. Mrs. Boatman was born the daughter of the late Aaron Melton and Louise Lowry Melton. During her lifetime, Mrs. Ruby operated a day care center in Cleveland, MS and became a therapeutic foster parent when she moved to South Carolina in 1982. She provided a home for over 150 foster children. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church and Treasurer of Bea Richburg Sunday School Class at Southside Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Russell O. Boatman; son, Kerry Boatman; brothers, James (Mildred) Melton and Kenneth “Ed” Melton; brother-in-law, James Bennett. Surviving are her sons, Benjamin H. (Erin) Boatman of Florence, SC, Roy Haney of Sacramento, CA, and Shane Boatman of Florence, SC; daughters, Susan Boatman (Tom) Bailey and Rebecca (fiancé, Tom Werts) Streett, both of Florence, SC; grandchildren, Malissa (Jesus Rodriguez) Flores, Ginny Bailey, Kerrianne (Josh) Stone, and Emily Bailey; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Faye Bennett; sisters-in-law, Jean Melton and Quida Walker; caregivers, Wendy Rabon, Janet Wiseman, Janice McFadden, and Shamikia Ascenio with Agape Hospice. The family wishes to thank the nurses and caregivers with Agape Hospice for their loving care. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, January 16, 2023 at Florence Memorial Gardens directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home.