Obituary of Mary "Ruth" Dobbins Howell

Mary "Ruth" Dobbins Howell, 78, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, April 18, 2019 while in the care of Hospice of Ocala, FL.  Ruth was born on August 3,1940 in Fitzgerald, GA.  She graduated from Fitzgerald High School and went on to St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Bible & Christian Education.  Ruth served as Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church of Griffin, GA.  She also served as Director of Bee Ridge Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, FL.  From there, she moved to Atlanta and worked for an attorney.  At her youngest sister's wedding, she met her future husband, Gordon Howell.  They were wed on April 28, 1973.  Together they lived in Ashburn, GA most of their married life.  While living in Ashburn, she worked for 26 years as secretary at First United Methodist Church.  In 2010, Ruth and Gordon moved to Ocala, FL where her 6 stepchildren, 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren live.  The love of her life, Gordon, passed away in May 2016.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Ruby (Hatten) Dobbins and her three sisters Nell (Gaines), Pearl (Davis) and Stella (Howell).  She is survived by her 6 stepchildren: Judy Howell Sapp, Jennie Howell, Terry Howell Collum (Steve), Jean Howell Guinn (Ricky), Mike Howell (Jan), Todd Howell (Doreen), 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. She is also survived by six nephews: Steve Gaines (Dorothy), Ronald Gaines (Sheila), Keith Gaines (Diana) Mike Davis, Lee Howell (Brandi), Jake Howell (Sarah) and one niece: Cindy Davis Withers. She was deeply loved by many and will be missed by all.

The memorial service will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 910 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL, Friday, May 3rd at 4:00pm