To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1
Ruth Bolen Pritchard, a cherished resident of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on April 13, 1942 in the serene surroundings of Winding Gulf, West Virginia, Ruth was the beloved daughter of the late Henry Fletcher “Fletch” Bolen Sr. and the late Hazel Vaught Bolen.
Her family’s journey led them to the Tidewater Virginia area when Ruth was just eight months old. Ruth Ann was raised in Newport News and Portsmouth, Virginia, where she attended County of Warwick Virginia Elementary School and graduated from Cradock High School in the Class of 1960.
On a beautiful summer day, July 9, 1960, Ruth married her high school sweetheart, Larry Kenneth Pritchard, embarking on a lifelong journey of love and companionship.
Their union was blessed with two handsome sons, who became the pride of and joy of their lives. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Goley, and her brother, Henry F. Bolen Jr.
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, an Angel gently whispered in Ruth’s ear, signifying that her earthly journey had reached its completion. She had fought the good fight of faith with remarkable courage and grace, and it was time for her to return home, surrounded by the loving embrace of her family. Ruth will forever be treasured and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her family and friends.
In the mid-1960s, Ruth dedicated her skills and intellect as a U.S. Civil Service administrator. Her work at Cherry Point Marine Air Base and Camp Lejeune Marine Base was a testament to her commitment to service. Beyond her professional life, Ruth was a cornerstone of her family. While raising two sons, she wholeheartedly supported Larry in various retail management assignments with Roses and Ben Franklin stores, a journey that took them from Virginia to North Carolina, then Georgia and Alabama.
Upon their return to Virginia, Ruth’s unwavering support continued as she assisted Larry in establishing multiple businesses throughout the picturesque communities of Gloucester and Deltaville, Virginia. In her leisure time, Ruth found immense joy and camaraderie as a member of the Red Hat Society, a vibrant social organization for women, where she cultivated lasting friendships and shared laughter.
Ruth leaves to cherish her beautiful memories: her loving and devoted husband, Larry Kenneth Pritchard; two handsome sons, Steven Kenneth Pritchard (Amelia, Ohio) and Jeffrey Todd Pritchard (Mount Pleasant, S.C.), and one brother, Christopher Bolen. Special gratitude and affection are extended to three exceptional caregivers, Emma Appleton, Alicia Polite and Cindy Harkness.
Funeral arrangements made have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home. McAlister-Smith.com.
