Ruth T. Godwin

Published 11:18 pm Wednesday, October 13, 2010

DAVISVILLE, Fla. – Ruth T. Godwin passed away at age 87 on Oct. 11, 2010.

She was born in Isabel, S.D. on March 29, 1923 and moved to Davisville, Fla. in the mid-1920s 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 and contributed in many ways to individuals, the community and the state. She graduated high school 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.

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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, Fla. 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.

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, each preceded Mrs. Ruth T. Godwin in death.

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

A memorial service will be held in honor of the life of Mrs. Ruth T. Godwin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010 from the First United Methodist Church of Atmore with the 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 Pkwy., Pensacola, FL 32514

The Family would like to thank the Staff of Emerald of Coast Hospice.

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