Ruth T.Godwin

October 13, 2010

Ruth T.Godwin passed away at age 87 on October 11, 2010. She was born in Isabel, South Dakota, on March 29th, 1923, and moved to Davisville in the mid 1920’s where she lived the remainder of her life and peacefully passed away in her home with family members by her side.

While living her full and complete life, she was involved with and contributed in many ways to individuals, the community, and the state. She graduated from Ernest Ward High School in 1941 where she was valedictorian of her class. She was also a member of the National Honor Society of her secondary school. Her adult life, she spent her time as a full time wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She and her husband built and worked their farm, and she was also a bookkeeper. She had many community involvements; a few that she was most proud of were her membership in The Davisville Community Club, The Democratic Committee, The Florida Library Association, The Pensacola Library Association, and the Florida Panhandle Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. She also organized the Walk for Lawton Chiles that started in Century. Ruth was the first woman to serve on the Escambia County Civil Service Board, appointed by Governor Chiles. All of these memberships and contributions were just a part of her dedication to the community that she loved and served.

Mrs. Ruth T. Godwin was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Vonzie C. Godwin; as well as her parents, Samual and Anna (Oetken) Tichi; two sisters, Doris T. Rigby and Nancy P. Tichi; and her granddaughter Aimee K. Godwin.

She is survived by three children, Sharon G. Davis, husband Jimmie; John V. Godwin, Sr., wife Deborah; Michael G. Godwin, wife Renee; and Dennis Rigby, wife Sherri. Along with her children, she leaves many additional family members including brother Samuel Tichi, wife Theresa; grandchildren, Doug Davis, wife Jeannine; Brian Davis, wife Susie; Rebecca Hall, husband Rob; John Godwin, Jr., wife Dawn; Karen Jay, husband Frank; Bradley Godwin, wife Terina; Katherine Escudero, husband Cristian; Josh Godwin, wife Brandy; Kristi Hughes, husband John; Chad Rigby; as well as 19 great grandchildren. Other family members that will miss her dearly are Don and Emma Hart, special friend Gertrude Bradley.

A memorial service will be held in honor of the life of Mrs. Ruth T. Godwin on Thursday October 14, 2010, at 2 p.m. from the First United Methodist Church of Atmore with Rev. Jim Reece officiating.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Emerald Coast Hospice or to the Aimee K. Godwin Memorial Fund in Care of University of West Florida Foundation, Inc., 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32514.

The family would like to thank the staff of Emerald of Coast Hospice.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore is in charge of all arrangements.

Comments

6 Responses to “Ruth T.Godwin”

  1. Alvin & Yvonne Bradley on October 14th, 2010 3:37 pm

    To the Godwin Family, Cherish the memories of your mother. God has prepared a place for her. The loss of a love one is never easy, but her suffering is over.
    Remember in Heaven there is a mansion with many rooms that has been prepared, if it was not so He (GOD) wouldn’t have told us so. PROVERB 31 Talks about the virtious woman and that was her.

  2. Ray Hubbird on October 14th, 2010 12:52 pm

    I am one of the many she contributed her time and wise advice to in my school years and I feel like I have also lost a member of my family. No doubt she is in a better place now Sharon, John, and Mike.

  3. Joan Gibson on October 13th, 2010 8:23 pm

    Sharon, John, and Mike and Family’s

    I am so sorry to hear about your mother, she was a special lady. I will always remember playing domino’s with her. She was one of my Mother best friends.
    She will miss her alot. Our prayer are with you.
    Love ya

  4. jj on October 13th, 2010 2:47 pm

    Sharon, John and Mike,

    Your mom was a great freind of our mom’s (Ruth Stewart), they worked many hard hours on the March of Dimes, Cancer and Heart Fund Crusades as well as helping with political campaigns and rallies. I have good memories of Miss Ruth. May God comfort and keep each one of you and your families during this time of loss.

    Jackie Johnson
    Bratt

  5. Ann Christian on October 13th, 2010 2:16 pm

    Sharon & Family. My heart felt love for Ruth & you. One of my mother’s best friends & companion. They enjoyed such wonderful adventures together. Very strong will lady & visionary. Good legacy she has left behind. Suppose she & Mother are playing SKIPBO? Love ya.

  6. Mrs Peters on October 13th, 2010 12:22 pm

    The story of her life is just an awesome testimony of a Christian lady. My prayers are with the family who will miss her. Your loss is Heaven’s gain. You will see her again if you love Jesus.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries