Willie Ruth Salter Futch

Willie Ruth Salter Futch

July 17, 1929 – July 8, 2025

Willie Ruth Salter Futch, 95, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home with her two sons by her side on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Born in Swainsboro, GA, on July 17, 1929, she was the beloved daughter of the late Van Wyck (V.W.) Salter and Della Ruth Asbil Salter.

Ruth spent her childhood near Swainsboro before her family relocated to Naylor, where she graduated from Naylor High School in the late 1940s. On Christmas Eve in 1955 she married Orvil M. Futch, and they were married for 59 years until his passing in 2014.

In 1973, she and her husband started Futch Exterminating Company, and she kept the books there for 51 years. Ruth worked briefly as an operator at Southern Bell before she dedicated her time to raising her sons. In 1979, Ruth began a significant chapter as a Secretary in the Chemistry Department at Valdosta State College, she worked there for 20 years until her retirement.

Ruth cherished the outdoors, often enjoying fishing and camping adventures with her husband and sons. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was actively involved in Northside Baptist Church.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Brian Futch of Valdosta, and Barry and Tonita Futch of Hahira; her step-grandchildren Heather (Aaron) Weather of Lake City, FL, Laura (Chad) Fletcher of Valdosta; and her step-great-grandchildren John, Caleb, Abby, and Harper. Ruth is also survived by her nephew and his wife, Van and Dot Hastings, and her niece and her husband, Mary Katheryn and Mark Pacey, along with many other cherished family members and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Orvil M. Futch, and her sister and brother-in-law, Rachel and James Hastings.

A funeral service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, July 14, 2025, in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home, with Reverend Bob Willis officiating. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 2:00 pm prior to the service.

The family welcomes online condolences at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home

Valdosta, Georgia