Ruby Sartin Hovatter Obituary
We announce the death of Ruby Sartin Hovatter of Providence, North Carolina, who passed away on October 10, 2026, at the age of 81. Ruby will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Ruby Sartin Hovatter to pay them a last tribute.
Ruby will be remembered for the impact she had on the lives of those around her. Friends, family, and colleagues will cherish their memories and the time shared. Those who knew Ruby will remember moments of kindness, warmth, and presence. Though words cannot fully capture her life, the legacy of connections and experiences remains. Ruby’s absence will be deeply felt by those who valued her companionship.
She was loved and cherished by many people including: parents: David Henry Sartin and Mary Ema Sledge Sartin; husband: Gerald "Jerry" Hovatter; siblings: Mary Fannie Sartin Hodges (James A. Hodges, Jr.) and David Sledge Sartin, Sr. (Betty English Motley Sartin); nephews: Gordon (Melissa) Hodges and David (Jane) Sledge Sartin, Jr.; niece: Joan (Sam) Butler; great-nieces and great-nephews: Spencer (Elizabeth) Hodges, Juliana (Ron Cerecedes) Hodges, Garrett (Maddy) Butler, Mary Madison (Jace) Strickland, David "Sledge" (Lauren) Sartin III, and Daniel (Savannah) Sartin; other: Jonathan Bowden; and many great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, extended family members, friends, former students, fellow educators, and colleagues.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 15th 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Flintoff Family Cemetery.
Memorial ContributionsIn lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Ruby's memory to the Ruby Sartin Hovatter Educator Scholarship through the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, Providence Fire & Rescue, or the Lady Astor Preservation Trust at the Langhorne House in Danville, Virginia.
