Ruth Ann Goodwin of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away on January 28th, 2026. Born in Monroe on December 1, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Clegg Goodwin and Ruth Thomason Goodwin. A graduate of Monroe High School and East Carolina University, Ruth began her teaching career in Union County before returning to ECU for her Masters in English. She moved to Albemarle and accepted an English professorship at Stanly Community College where she remained until her retirement.

Ruth established deep roots in Stanly County, where she built lasting friendships and touched many lives through her generosity and steady presence. She was a cherished sister, aunt, and friend known for her deep love of family and community. Ruth was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church in Albemarle and member and Past President of the Hawthorne Garden Club. Ruth, affectionately known as Aunt Boo, had a warm heart and a witty sense of humor. Family and friends meant everything to her, and she took great pride in staying connected with those she loved.

Ruth loved to get friends together over a meal at her home, and her motto was always “the more, the merrier”. Ruth would think of who might be alone on a holiday and invite them to join her festivities or deliver a meal. For a sick friend, her curative treatment was a car ride on country roads or a batch of custard. If you were lucky, maybe both. Ruth will be remembered for her resilience, her quiet generosity, her sense of fun, and the many small but meaningful ways she showed up for others.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Samuel S. Goodwin of Monroe, NC; her sister, Cynthia Goodwin Fisher of Charlotte, NC; special friend, Rob Tyson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by sister, Carolyn G. Schorr; brothers, H. Clark Goodwin, Dr. Donald R. Goodwin; and niece, Ashley G. Wood.

A gathering of friends and family will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 11:00 am in Gordon Funeral Chapel, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112, with a family interment to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park.

A service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, 126 W North St, Albemarle, NC 28001. Presiding will be Rev. Joel Lynn. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00-11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to a charity of choice or that acts of kindness be done in her honor. At your next dinner party, be sure to invite more friends than you have room at the table. Ruth would approve and remind you; a crowded table is the best kind.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112, is honored to be entrusted to care for the Goodwin Family.