Ruth R. Goodwin, 84, of Elizabethton, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at the Johnson City Medical Center. Ruth was born on December 17, 1931 to the late Murray and Viva Kendrick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Goodwin, on September 11, 1968, and an adopted sister, Mary Heaton.
Ruth was born in East Pubnico, Nova Scotia but had lived in Elizabethton for over 60 years. She was the director of the Elizabethton Senior Citizens Center from 1985 to 2009 and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton.
Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters and sons-in-law, Holly and Brian Carlson of Smyrna, Ga., and Suzanne and Marc Parks of Midland, N.C.; one son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Cathie Nease Goodwin of Greeneville, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Stephenia Goodwin and Stephen Goodwin Jr., both of Johnson City, Tenn.; one great-grandson, David Pugh of Johnson City, Tenn.; her very special friends, whom she considered family, Kathy Dula, Leanne Edwards, Tracie Mann and Celesta Young; and her cat, “Maya,” and several “furry” grandkids.
A service to honor the life of Mrs. Ruth R. Goodwin will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton with Rev. Ray Amos Sr. officiating. Music will be under the direction of Leanne Edwards and David Arney. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 until 2 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Benny Baird, Brian Carlson, Marc Parks, David Pugh and Chris Nease. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Shipley, Jerry Bray and William Carlson. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Johnson City Medical Center and to Ruth’s caregivers, Cindy Shull and Bernice Wax, for the love and care shown to her during her illness. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Carter County Humane Society, P.O. Box 134, Elizabethton, TN 37644; the Elizabethton Senior Citizens Center, 428 East G. Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643; or to First United Methodist Church, 325 East E. Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Goodwin family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.