Ruth Marie Booth

Ruth Marie Booth, 82, of Americus passed away on Friday evening, March 14, at the home of her daughter in Albany. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, March 17, from the chapel of Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., with Dr. Sam Harper officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.Born January 9, 1932, in Los Angeles, CA, she was a daughter of the late Captain Horace C. Walling and Fanny Pratt Walling. She was an educator and was instrumental in beginning the Head Start program in California.  In 1947, at age 17, Ruth tried out for the Olympics in swimming, and went on to participate, winning an Olympic medal.She enjoyed studying politics and religion.  Ruth will always be remembered for her love of animals, laughter, and her friends.She is preceded in death by her husband, Vernard Booth and by her son, Bobby Robison.She is survived by her loving family of one son, Mark Robison (Debbie) of Murfreesboro, TN and one daughter, Sheryl Nichols (Kenny) of Albany; grandchildren: Brett Robison (Robbin), Scott Mclean, Brad Robison (Michelle), SSgt Mathew Mclean (Kathy), Christopher Robison Jensen (Emily), and Jonathan Robison Jensen, and three great grandchildren: Austin, Hudson, and Makayleigh.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harper's Animal Clinic, 509 W Forsyth St., Americus, GA 31709.To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com   Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is in charge of arrangements.