Ruth "Tootie" Monica Duvall (Boy)

Ruth “Tootie” Monica Duvall (Boy), a resident of Darnestown, MD, entered her eternal rest on July 17th, 2021, with her family by her side. She was born in Kitale, Kenya, on August 19th, 1935, the daughter of the late Albert and Janet “Jessie” Boy and grew up on a farm on Mt. Elgon near the Uganda border. Some of her most memorable experiences growing up included helping her mother – a nurse and midwife – deliver babies, a pet cheetah named Sally, taking a solo bus trip across the USA in her twenties, and meeting Rock Hudson on a movie set in Nairobi.

After getting a job with the World Bank in 1964, Ruth moved to Washington DC, by way of London. It was here she met her husband, Charles “Chuck” Duvall. Together, they built a house in then rural Darnestown, where they lived together for over fifty years.

Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and beloved “Tante Tootie” to many here and abroad. A loving and compassionate woman, she was quick witted, fearless, and resilient when faced with the trials of life. She treated everyone with dignity and respect, oftentimes surprising people she came across by speaking in their native tongue of Swahili.

She also was a remarkable cook, hosting legendary curry and Boxing Day parties, as well as preparing traditional British fare such as Yorkshire Pudding, Beef Wellington, and the extravagant Christmas goose. Serving others was important to Ruth; she volunteered with Gaithersburg Help for 25 years, in her daughter’s school and in later years, knitted prayer shawls.

A long standing and active parishioner with the Our Lady of Visitation Parish in Darnestown, MD, she was a devout Catholic, a Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Sodality.

Ruth and Chuck were married for 54 years – their marriage an inspiration and example of the truest love. The best of friends, together they traveled to every continent, raised their daughter Jessica, and spent many summer weekends enjoying life and each other’s company in Lewes, DE. In her last two years, Ruth suffered immensely but nobly with late-stage COPD and was forever grateful to her husband Chuck for the care and companionship he provided her.

Her spirit is carried on by her husband Chuck, daughter Jessica, son-in-law Alex, granddaughter Maya, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Ruth believed that life is a journey, and you try to leave a bit of yourself with everyone you meet. Those of us who knew her will never forget her indomitable spirit, her grace, and her bravery.

The wake will be at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, 14139 Seneca Rd, Darnestown, MD, 20874 on Friday, September 17th, 2021, at 9:15am, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00am. If you would like to view the Live Stream Click HERE

Private internment of the ashes to follow at Darnestown Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Gaithersburg HELP.