After battling Alzheimer's for a number of years, Mary Ruth Nolen passed away peacefully, at her home, with most of her immediate family at her bedside. 

For sixty-two years, Mary was married to her best friend and constant companion, James L. Nolen.  The couple had four children: Larry Nolen (Sylvia) Seattle, Washington; Chuck Nolen (Janie) Marianna, Florida;  Ruth Anne Glisson (Jimmy) Tallahassee, Florida; and Nancy Jackson (Johnny) Opp, Alabama.  Her grandchildren include Hunter Nolen (Jennifer) Marianna, Florida;Lauren Sproul Glisson (Thomas) Tallahassee, Florida;  Zack Nolen of Seattle, Washington; Christy Glisson of Tallahassee;  Meredith Mitchell (Michael John) Marianna, Florida; Jay Jackson (Jennifer) Opp; Nolen Jackson (Amy) Opp; and Emily Jackson (Blake) Andalusia.  She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Murphy and Mabry Mitchell, Katie, Manning, Clay, Will, and Allie Jackson, and Duncan and Griffin Sproull.

Having served as an elementary and middle school teacher with the Opp City School system for twenty-eight years, Mary earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and her Master's from Troy State-Dothan.  She was previously a member of the Opp Education Association and the Alabama Education Association.

Additionally, she taught Sunday school for a number of years at the Opp First United Methodist Church where she also belonged to the Opp FUMC Women's Club.  In the community, she also had been active in the Century Club and the Three Arts Club. 

Her favorite past times centered around her family and cheering for her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide.  

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be made to the Opp First United Methodist Church.