Ruby Grace Flaherty Boutwell, peacefully departed this world on July 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family in her home. Born on May 29, 1935, in the town of Bruce, Mississippi, Ruby was the first born daughter of Erwin and Beulah Flaherty. Her life's journey was rich and full, marked by her unwavering faith, dedication to family, and service to her community.

Ruby was preceded in death by her loving parents, her devoted husband, Walter Boutwell, Jr., whom she married on December 30, 1953, and their infant daughter, Rebecca. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her surviving family members: her son, Michael Boutwell, and her daughter, Christy Simpson(Michael) along with her cherished grandchildren, Morgan Carroll, Madison Carroll, Corbin Simpson and Alex Boutwell. Ruby's presence will also be dearly missed by her sisters, Syble Taylor and Dotti Horn, as well as her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who were like family to her. She cherised everyone close to her heart.

A graduate of Meridian High School, Ruby possessed a remarkable talent for sewing and worked as a skilled seamstress in local factories until her retirement. However, it was her tireless dedication to volunteerism and her community that left an indelible mark on all who knew her. For over 50 years, Ruby served as a beacon of hope and kindness, offering her time and talents to her church and various community clubs. Her roles as a Pink Lady with Pioneer Hospital, Church Music Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Devotion Leader at BeeHive and Woodland Court, exemplified her commitment to spreading the Lord's word and helping others. She was also a past WMU Director for the Hazel Missionary Society and a proud member of the Triple L Club, Liberty Community Club, and Chair Chicks Exercise Group. Her contributions were recognized when she was honored as Club Member of the Year in 2015 and Citizen of the Year in 2019 by the Newton County Rural Association.

Ruby's passions extended beyond her community service. She found immense joy in gardening, bird watching, and cooking for her family and friends. Her love for reading the Bible, completing word search puzzles, and playing Monopoly with her grandchildren brought her endless delight. Ruby had an innate ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, always ready to lend a hand or ear with her warm smile and big hugs.

Funeral Service will begin with Viewing at 9AM on July 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Newton with the Ceremony starting at 10am. Graveside service will be at Liberty Church Cemetery at 11am. 

To honor her love for her Church and Music, the family kindly suggests donations be made in her name to First Baptist Church Music Dept. in lieu of flowers.

Ruby loved you all and her family appreciates this community who kept her feeling young and valued these years without Walter. That support has meant so much to her children. We all will miss our spunky angel.

Newton County Funeral Home has been entrusted to oversee arrangements. An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com.