Jeannette Ruth Boots, 87, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully, Monday, November 15, 2021 at Swedish American Hospital. She was born May 21, 1934 in Richmond, CA, the daughter of Dwight L. and Bernice V. (Smith) Fowler. Jeannette married the love of her life, Isaac “Ray” Boots on October 30, 1953 in Marion, OR. She was a woman of faith who loved being involved in the children’s ministry, choir, working in the church daycare and Awanas. Jeannette was a wonderful homemaker, who was deeply devoted to her family. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed crocheting. Jeannette was a fierce player of bingo and scrabble. Most of all, Jeannette was the matriarch of our family and will be missed.
Jeannette is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Isaac “Ray”; children, Dana (David) Merrifield, Sr. of Louisville, KY, Terri (James) Christians of Rockford, IL, Rebecca Boots of Chattanooga, TN, Philip Boots of Yulee, FL; grandchildren, Michelle Merrifield, Stacie (Kenny) Goodman, David (Lindsay) Merrifield, Jr., Stephen (Sarah) Christians, Shellie (John) Burkle, Sarah Christians, Jordan Boots, Isaac Boots, Abigail Boots; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Kaylie, Katie Jo, Savanna, Bryson, Everett, Lucy and 2 great-grandchildren on the way; siblings, Robert Fowler of Salem, OR, Phyllis Barney of Aumsville, OR, and Diane Music of Salem, OR; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, children Karl L. Boots and Cheryl L. Boots, great-grandson Bryant Merrifield, sisters Marjorie Hatch and Susan Stegall.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State Street, Rockford, IL 61102. A visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amazing Grace Missions, P.O. Box 289, Dayton, TN 37321. To share a condolence, please visit www.advantagerockford.com.
