Ruth Goza Chandler

Ruth Goza Chandler, 95, of Madison, Alabama, formerly of Gadsden, Alabama, went to her eternal heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 19, 2024. She is survived by her daughter Allison Chandler Ford (William) and son Jeffrey Keith Chandler (Stacy); grandchildren Lauren Smith (Adam), Michael Ford, Jackson Chandler, and Jared Chandler; sisters Betty Gilbreath and Wanda Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Adrian Chandler, father Hugh Goza, mother Grace Goza Mayes, and step-father Comer Mayes; brothers Gordon Goza, Kenneth Goza, Wayne Mayes, and Waylon Mayes, and sister Bobbie King.

She was born in Dekalb County, Alabama, and spent her early childhood years there before moving to Marshall County. After graduation from Albertville High School, she attended and graduated from Jacksonville State University at the age of 19. It was there that she met her future husband, Adrian, when she interviewed him for the school paper. After graduation she taught school for a short time in Mobile, and then went to work for Delta Airlines in Atlanta. She married Adrian in 1954 and later became a full-time homemaker.

Ruth volunteered with many organizations throughout the years, including school PTA, her church library, the Women’s Medical Auxiliary, and MANNA (Metropolitan Area Noon Nutrition Association), among others.

Visitation will be at Gadsden First United Methodist Church on Friday, May 24, from 12-1 pm, with a funeral service immediately following at 1 pm, with Reverend J. Briggs King officiating. Burial will be at Williams Southside Memorial Gardens following the funeral with a family only graveside service. Pallbearers will be Jackson Chandler, Jared Chandler, Michael Ford, William Ford, Phillip King, and Adam Smith.

A special thanks to Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care (especially Michelle, Dawn, and Linda), and caregivers Mary, Jasmine, Cee Cee, Akroma, and Mattie, as well as Collier-Butler Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, Compassion International, or MANNA of Gadsden.