Obituary of Ruth Mae Anazia

for Ruthie “Baby Ruth” Mae Doby Anazia 21 April 1958 – 18 December 2018

Ruthie Mae Doby Anazia, known as Baby Ruth to those who adored her, transitioned peacefully on 18 December 2018, in North Charleston, South Carolina alongside her beloved husband.

Here is a brief synopsis of her blessed life.

She was born in Alachua, Florida, on April 21, 1958, the daughter of Malvin and Areather Doby.

Malvin Doby was a sharecropper by trade, the family lived off the land as farmers.  Ruth was the 5th of 8 brothers and sisters born to Malvin and Areather.

Born to humble beginnings, Ruth excelled in academics and sports during her early years of school which gained her entrance to the Upward Bounds Program.  Through this program she gained the exposure she needed to become successful through travel and access to a university education. Through hard work, determination and prayers Ruth became the first in her immediate family to complete her college degree which is quite the accomplishment for disenfranchised blacks during her era.  Specifically, Ruth received her bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.  After completing University Ruth became the first in her family to have an active security clearance when she became gainfully employed by the US Federal Government for a few years at Redstone Arsenal Army Base, in Huntsville, Alabama.  She also worked 2 years at the US Federal Center in Battlecreek, Michigan, until she gave birth to her 3rd child becoming a stay at home mother. 

Ruth met her loving husband Michael Anazia during her years working in Huntsville Alabama.  Michael and Ruth were wed September 22, 1984.  They were married 34 blissful years and had had 3 wonderful children.  Ruth is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Michael, 3 children, Gabriel, Rachel and Emeka, and 2 grandchildren, Jalen and Gabrielle.

Ruth’s legacy was that she loved helping people and showing God’s love to people through her hospitality.  Ruth was the glue that held the Anazia family together.  Through the good, bad and the ugly, she always was steadfast in prayer and unwavering in her faith.  Even through her suffering and illness she would always do her best to encourage others in need.  As a professional, mother and wife, she will never be forgotten and may she forever rest in peace, we shall see her in paradise with our Father in heaven, Amen.

We love you, and you will forever live on in our hearts and minds, God bless your soul.