ARBUTUS "BOOTS" YATES BOWMAN

Arbutus “Boot” Yates Bowman passed away January 2, 2025, at NHC, Kingsport, Tn., following a period of declining health. Boot was born Lola Arbutus Deel on October 3, 1931, in Clintwood, to Harlan and Alta  Deel.  She was a homemaker and worked at Food City in Clintwood for many years.  Boot attended Valley View Freewill Baptist Church.  After living in Clintwood her entire life, Boot relocated to Kingsport in 2023 due to poor health.
Besides her parents, Boot was preceded in death by husband John “Junior” Yates, the love of her life; second husband and friend, Matt Bowman; special friend, Kenny Ramsey; and sisters, Ina Lee Rose and Jerlene Ratliff.  
She is survived by son, Jeff Yates (Ellen); grandson, John Robert Yates (Danielle); granddaughter, Amy Calhoun (Justin); great-grandchildren, Annabelle Yates, Isaac Yates, Hudson Calhoun, and Emerson Calhoun; sister, Nell Fleming; brother-in-law, Avery Ratliff; many nieces and nephews and many friends throughout Dickenson County.
The family will receive friends from 11a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday, January 9, at Clintwood Funeral Home.  A memorial service will be held at 12, officiated by Pastors Joe Glenn Sluss and Lynn Vanover, followed by burial at Yates Cemetery, Caney Ridge Road.  Pallbearers will be John Robert Yates, Justin Calhoun, Freddie Sauls, Ed Yates, and Willie Brooks.
Heartfelt thanks are extended to Audrey France, the staff of NHC-Kingsport, and Caris Hospice, all of whom provided loving care to Boot during the course of her illness.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Yates Chapel Church, 4057 DC Caney Ridge Rd. Clintwood, Va., 24228.