Doris June Rice Boles went to be with the Lord, and to find out where Hugh had been this past year, on April 13, 2026.

She was born on Tuesday February 28, 1939. Her parents were Mary Ann Brackens Rice Wallin and Harve Rice. She grew up in the Big Laurel community. Her siblings McKinley(living), Landon(deceased), Frances(living)and cousins were her friends and playmates. Sorrow struck their family early. Her father Harve died when she was three years old.

Her mother sometimes would have to work away from home. McKinley would cook and the rest would do chores.

They all got jobs when they were young. Sometimes far from home. June worked at the Blue Circle Diner in Greeneville, TN with her cousin Janice as car hops and wore roller skates to serve the customers. She also lived and worked at a boarding house in Lake Lure. She was a teenager in the poodle skirt and bobby sock era. She rocked the look.

She met Hugh Boles when she was 18. A blind date that led to 66 years of marriage.

They moved in search of jobs. She worked alongside Sophie (Dugan) in Florida rolling cigars and waiting tables at Burger King. Zelma (Junior) was practically a sister to her even though by blood a cousin. They were neighbors in Florida and South Carolina. They had family beside them and made lifelong friends while living in Florida and South Carolina, however the mountains were always ‘home’ and they worked hard to move back here.

Here she worked at sewing factories, farmed with Hugh and worked in the office of the truck company. She raised their three children, Sonja (John), Allen (Deena) and Susan (Jonathon). She also fed and cared for her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Jodi (John), Aaron, Leslie, Chase, Sydney, Sarah, Nicole and her bonus Kaitlyn (Harrison). Her special loves were their great granddaughters, Shelby and Shayleigh and her bonus great-grandson Luke.

Feeding us was her love language. You can tell we were well loved. She has influenced two generations of very good cooks. Every friend we brought home, and there were multitudes, were fed well and generously. She welcomed them all to her table.

Every dog we have also loved her. They would sneak from home to go see her and get snacks.

Her favorite thing to do was explore the country with Hugh. They traveled near and far. They enjoyed travel with their close friends George & Liz and Bob & Clesta. From Florida to Nova Scotia. They liked traveling with Clyde and Mary and made a special trip out west. They camped, fished, boated, went to the beach, square danced and built a log cabin together. June had hobbies and learned to weave baskets, hook rugs and make ceramics. She sewed to make nice clothes and items for her home.

A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The family will receive friends from 11am to 1pm prior to the service. Reverend Billy Poteat will officiate. Burial will follow at the Boles Cemetery.

Pallbearers are John Candler, Harrison Orr, Aaron Putnam, Chase Boles, Jordan Cantrell, and Mitchell Ledford.

Flowers are welcome as well as Donations to Care Partners Hospice at 21 Belvedere Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Care Partners took great care of mom and dad. The family appreciated their tender care and professional expertise.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org