Ruth Geneva Baggett

Ruth Geneva Baggett, 85, of Winder and formerly of Dalton, passed away peacefully July 6 following an extended illness. She was surrounded by her loving daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren and slipped quietly into the loving arms of her Savior and her daughter, parents, brothers and sisters who were waiting for her.

Ruth loved life and her family and lived and enjoyed every day as though it would be her last. Over the course of her time on Earth, she prayed for the sick, comforted the sad, and helped everyone who knew her in their hour of need. Every Christmas Day for as long as anyone can remember, her home in Dalton was a hub of bustling activity: eating, singing, and fellowship in the company of close family, with Ruth lovingly presiding over the proceedings and ensuring everyone had enough to eat.

Ruth’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she loved southern gospel music and good preaching from Rev. Ronald Guffey.

Ruth came from a sprawling family. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Allen and Lettie Ralston Mathis and was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Hill; beloved husband, Garmon Baggett of Dalton; and brothers and sisters Buford Mathis, Clara Dempsey, Ernest Mathis, twins J.A. and J.D. Mathis, Harlin Mathis, Lois Baptist, Curtis Mathis, Demple Lumpkin, Kenneth Mathis, Esther Knight, and Betty Parden.

She is survived by a wide circle of her loving family: sister Dorothy Chambers of Ringgold; daughters Shelia Croft (Jim) of Winder and Rhonda King (David) of Wentzville, Mo.; son Dewayne Hill (Wyondia) of Ringgold; five grandchildren: Alison Ruth Broxton (Blake) of Athens; Alex Burkett (K.F.) of North Bethesda, Md.; Jody Self (Nicole) of Chatsworth; Dawn Carnes (Gene) of Ringgold; and Brandon Hill of Ringgold; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home in Dalton on Tuesday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. followed immediately by the funeral service which will be held in the Chapel of Love Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronald Guffey officiating. Interment service will follow in Whitfield Memorial Gardens. Flowers and condolences may be addressed to the family of Ruth Baggett, c/o Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton, Ga. 30720.