Ruby Faye Gooch

On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Lord called home one of His saints, Ruby Faye Gooch, age 95, of Dahlonega.  Ruby was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. She was born on March 9, 1930, to the late Guy and Myrtle Grizzle Jarrard. In addition to her parents, those to greet her in Heaven will be her husband Bert Gooch, great-grandchildren Isabel Gooch and Tucker Grizzle, brothers Wayne Jarrard, L.J. Jarrard, and Glad Jarrard.

Missing her most will be her children Tommy and Dona Gooch, Rickey and Karen Peck Gooch, all of Dahlonega; her grandchildren Sandy and John Grizzle, Scott and Candace Gooch, Brad and Heather Gooch, Nicole and Randy Hampel, Steven Gauerke, Jennifer Weaver, Shawn Gauerke, Matthew and Preslee Gooch, Kari and Chandler Baucom; her great-grandchildren Tyler and Kimberly Grizzle, Cody and Micah Grizzle, Nick and Kelly Gooch, Isaac Jones, Gracie Gooch, Coleman Hampel, Hunter Hampel, Kylie Hampel, Kinsey Hampel, Isla Gooch, Jack Gooch, Haven Gooch, Beckett Gooch; her great-great-grandchildren Bryce Grizzle, Carson Grizzle, Blakely Grizzle, Eason Grizzle, Maverick Gooch, Jax Gooch; siblings Verna Braswell and Alton and Janet Jarrard; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Today, we celebrate the beautiful life and lasting legacy of Ruby — a woman whose very name symbolizes preciousness and strength. Like the gem she was named for, Ruby shined with rare brilliance and value, embodying the perfect example of the virtuous woman described in the book of Proverbs. Her life was a living testimony of faith, kindness, and unwavering love for the Lord.

Ruby loved going to church more than anything else in this world. Saved at an early age, she was a devout member of Yahoola Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, initiated the first Vacation Bible School, and faithfully attended morning worship, Wednesday night Bible Study, and Revivals. Ruby's love for the Lord was evident in the goodness she shared and the kindness she sought in everyone she knew. Worship was not just a part of her life — it was her life. She found joy in the fellowship of believers, in hearing the Word, and in lifting her voice in praise. Her seat in the church will feel empty, but her memory will forever fill the sanctuary.

Ruby left an indelible impression in this life to be long remembered. Many people in Lumpkin County have sat with Ruby at her beauty shop, experiencing her selfless love for everyone.

Known throughout the surrounding counties, Ruby’s cooking was nothing short of legendary, especially her famous pound cakes, which warmed many hearts and homes. But it wasn’t just her cooking that made her known — it was the heart behind it. Ruby regularly delivered meals and cakes to the sick, the grieving, and anyone in need of encouragement. Her kitchen was a place of ministry as much as it was a place of nourishment.

There was no one like Ruby. Her life was marked by humility, generosity, compassion, and an unshakable faith. If she had lived in the days of the Bible, surely her name would have been written among the great women of faith. Ruby was a living sermon — a walking example of Christ’s love in action.

She leaves behind a rich legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to walk closer with God, to serve others selflessly, and to cherish the simple, beautiful things in life. Truly, “her children arise and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28).

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Yahoola Baptist Church. The Rev. Kris Butler, the Rev. Lyman Caldwell, and the Rev. Terry Head will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the funeral home.

Flowers are optional, or contributions can be made to Yahoola Baptist Church c/o John Jarrard, 12 Jarrard Drive, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533   

To share a memory or condolences with the family, visit Ruby's online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com. 

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North, Dahlonega, GA 30533