Mary Ruth (Porter) Bolton

Mary Ruth Bolton, lovingly known as “Nannie,” passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on May 17, 1936, Mary Ruth of Calera, Alabama lived a life marked by faith, hard work, kindness, and deep love for her family. She faithfully raised her four children, making sure they were always cared for, taken to school, and rooted in church and faith. Her love was steady, warm, and evident in the way she cared for everyone around her.

Mary worked for many years at Shelby Baptist Hospital as an ER registration clerk, where she was known for her incredible work ethic and exceptional typing skills. She never met a stranger and was remembered by many for her kindness, gentle spirit, and welcoming heart.

She was also known as one of the finest Southern cooks around. Her meals brought family together, and her home was a place of comfort. Her table was a place of warmth, and of love. To know her was to feel cared for.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Gene Bolton, and her parents, Orda P. and Mabel Lassie Porter and 5 Siblings. 

She is survived by her children: David (Becky) Bolton, Dale (Ruth) Bolton, Dean (Pam) Bolton, and Donna Carpenter; Sister, Doris Lane; her grandchildren: Brandi (Nick) Harbison, Kim (Chris) Knowles, Amanda Bolton, and Heather (Kyle) Cohen; along with numerous great-grandchildren and many others who loved her dearly.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service. A private graveside service for close family members will be held at Shelby Memory Gardens, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Parkinson’s Research at the following: www.parkinson.org 

www.support.apdaparkinson.org 

www.suvoda.org

Though our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing her faith was strong, her life was meaningful, and her love will remain with us always.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7