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Obituary For Ruthie Hamrick Bottoms
Ruthie Hamrick Bottoms, age 71 of Athens, GA passed July 15, 2024.
Ruthie Hamrick was born in Lithia Springs, Georgia. She is the 11th of 14 children of Maime and William Hamrick. She was blessed with a large personality and a mischievous spirit. In 1977 Ruthie joined the U.S Airforce and became the first female aircraft mechanic on the flight line at Hollowman Airforce Base in Alamagordo, New Mexico. While there she was responsible for launching, recovering, and repairing two aircrafts on base. For many years afterwards she was a manager for a Decatur Waffle House and became a staple face of the restaurant. Two things could be assured when you met the woman known to all as Nana: one you get the world's best hug, and two she had a new joke to tell you.
Ruthie Mae Hamrick Bottoms was preceded in death by her mother, Maime Hamrick; her father, William Hamrick; her husband, John Benjamin Bottoms Sr., and several of her beloved brothers and sisters.
She is survived by: her partner, Don Yelliott; numerous loving family members including her sisters, Sherri Hysmith and Becky Holcombe as well as her brothers, Bud Hamrick, Bill Hamrick and Nathan Hamrick. She is also survived by her children: Raina and Eugene Chavis, Josh and Kathy Smith, Simon Smith, Sarah Smith, John and Christy. From her children, Ruthie is survived by her grandchildren: Chesna and Brandon Kraatz, Nicholas Chavis, Carter and Alyssa Chavis, Cardynal Chavis, Tony Smith and Ashleigh Alder, Zack and Logan Smith, Joseph Smith, Roman Smith, Dakota and Christina Teal, Yiska Arebella, Christopher Smith, Tyler Bottoms, Brittni Bottoms and 8 great grandchildren. Lasty, Ruthie is survived by a small town's worth of cousins that will miss her dearly.
The family is hosting a celebration of her life on July 27th from 12-5 in Lilburn Georgia at the home of Brandon and Chesna Kraatz.
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I had the pleasure of knowing Ruth after moving into an apartment a couple doors down. A very strong, wise and empathetic person. Every single morning when I'd leave out the door for work she'd give me a very tight embrace. I miss you and will always hold your wise words close. Much love.
Strong and courageous Aunt Ruthie was the face of overcomer. I will ALWAYS hold near to my heart her love and strength. Her compassion for others was unparalleled and she will forever be missed. I love you Aunt Ruthie
Ruthie was my first cousin. One of my happiest memories is when she came and picked Suzy Hall and myself up to go to Six flags over Ga. In her Volkswagen bug. She also wrote to me while she was in the service. I loved her dearly and I will miss her calls with her fun loving jokes Fly high Ruthie She stood for Peace,Love and Joy. She was an amazing hippy. πΊπ²πΊπ²
Ruthie was my first cousin. She would take Suzy and I all kinds of wonderful places as kids. She had a Volkswagen bug that was the coolest thing in the world. While in the service she wrote me many letters. I loved her dearly. She was the coolest hippy I knew. Fly high Ruthie. Peace, Love and Joy is now your's. Tina
Aunt Ruthie will be missed so much by Rusty,Keith and Me. She was always the life of our get togethers. I always looked forward to her hugs the most of all. Her hugs could melt away all the sorrow and cares in the world. At least that's the way it felt in her arms. Please know we are praying for all of you guys. We love y'all so very much!!!
She was the best aunt I know she loved me and my kids no matter what she come to the hospital after I had my daughter and met her I am so glad I got to see her when I did... Me and my kids will miss her so much
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