Anne Patton Schell Boles, 70, of Huntsville, succumbed to ovarian cancer following a valiant 14-year battle. Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Scaife Schell and Charles Christian “Speed” Schell, of Sheffield, AL.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Ronald W. Boles; stepdaughter, Catherine Boles Courtney (Skyler) of Huntsville; stepson, Alex Boles of Birmingham; grandsons, Alex Hereford and Campbell Courtney of Huntsville; sisters, Patsy Tomlinson (Larry) of Fairhope, and Nancy Hirst (Larry) of Memphis; nieces, Lori Gaillard (Peter), Ginny McCrory (Bart) of Fairhope, and Anne Cotten of New Orleans; nephew, Robert Cotten; grandnieces, Virginia McCrory and Anne Patton Gaillard, of Fairhope; grandnephews, Mac and Les Gaillard, of Fairhope, and Sage Cotten of Memphis; and a close community of devoted friends who have remained by her side throughout her illness.
Anne Patton Schell Boles was born on January 22, 1948 in Sheffield, AL. She graduated from Sheffield High School in 1966, and then from the University of Alabama in 1970 where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. After earning her BS in textile marketing, she attended UNA where she earned her Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. She taught fourth grade at Davis Hills Elementary in the 1970’s. Anne was hired by IBM as a Systems Engineer in the General Systems Division. Through IBM she worked with Huntsville City Schools and other school systems to set up systems of computers in the schools and to train teachers. Later on, she served as the IT manager for General & Automotive Machine Shop, a family business.
Anne was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville, where she was ordained as a Stephen Minister, and was honored to serve as an Elder in the church’s organization. She was one of the founding members of Lilies of the Valley Ovarian Cancer support group, serving on their board, and was instrumental in establishing the Lilies of the Valley Garden of Life & Remembrance in Huntsville. She was a volunteer at Hudson Alpha, a supporter of the National Children’s Advocacy Center, and was honored to be selected in 2013 as a special honoree for The Russel Hill Cancer Foundation at the Clearview Cancer Institute.
Anne Boles was a Christian, a devoted wife, and a loving step-mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a strong spirit, was a woman of grace, strength, and kindness, who had a zest for life, a love of people, and she persevered courageously and bravely as she fought her battle with ovarian cancer. Anne lived her life well and full; and she was an inspiration to others! Her loves were many and enduring. First and foremost were her God, her husband, her family and friends. She loved to read, collecting dolls, cooking, traveling, studying history and genealogy – and she loved nature. Almost nothing gave her more pleasure than gardening and watching her garden grow! She enjoyed birds and other animals, flowers, and the beauty of the earth.
Anne’s family and friends would like to offer their most sincere words of appreciation to Dr. Marshall Schreeder for his continuing research, treatment, and friendship. Also, a special thanks to Donna Jobe, and the entire team at the Clearview Cancer Institute who treated and encouraged Anne for so long! A special gratitude is also conferred to the Hospice Family Care staff for the solace and comfort found in Anne’s final days.
The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 20, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville sanctuary with The Rev. Dr. Tara Bulger officiating. Visitation and reception will follow at the church. There will be a private burial at Maple Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Hall Bryant, Jr., Judge Lynwood Smith, Dr. Walt Grundy, Skyler Courtney, Tom McCrary, and Don Hedden.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, or the Hospice Family Care of Huntsville.
