Ruth Wertz Goff

July 12, 1924 - October 10, 2014

Ruth Wertz Goff passed away on October 10, 2014. She was the youngest and last survivor of a family of five strong willed, independent girls who remained very close until their deaths. She was born July 12, 1924 to Forrest and Ida Cogburn Wertz. She was a secretary all of her working life and retired from the Saluda Shirt Plant as office manager after serving capably and dependably in that position for years. For 68 years Aunt Ruth was married to Herman Goff who preceded her in death on August 23, 2014. Not only were they joined legally, they were inseparable and devoted to each other. In their last days together, they would still be found holding hands. He was "Herm" to her, and she was "Snooks" and "Rooster" to him. They had no biological children but were parental figures to three generations of nieces and nephews. We rarely referred to them as Aunt and Uncle but rather called them by their nicknames or given names, for we saw them as contemporaries and buddies. One almost always referred to them as Ruth and Herman - their names almost being synonymous. Aunt Ruth took great pride in her appearance and was always stylishly dressed, coifed and made up even in her last days. Some of us nieces loved perusing all of her cosmetics when we were young and we were never reprimanded for doing so. Rooster was loving and giving, and she and uncle Herman saw all generations of us as their children. For a time they took in several nieces and nephews when their parents returned to the mission field in South America. We were always welcome in their home, and their home was our second home. They were happiest when family was around. They were generous of self and otherwise, giving us things and taking us places we might not have had the opportunity to go or do. They were the ones family called on and relied upon. Aunt Ruth was constantly doing for others, but one could never "do" for her as she quickly returned the favor twofold. She was faithful to her church and was always present as long as she was able to attend. Aunt Ruth and Uncle Herman were in our lives from birth and we somehow thought they would be there forever. As big a void as their passing is to us, we can take comfort in the fact they are again holding hands. Our deepest appreciation goes to Jane Holecek, Aunt Ruth's longtime caregiver and to Marcella Dean, her part-time caregiver. Jane cared for her and Uncle Herman as if they were her parents. She was more than a caregiver to them, and they adored her and called her "Girlie" In addition to her parents and husband, Aunt Ruth was preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret Corwin, Mary Pherigo, Grace Forrest and Elizabeth Compton Haglund. She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews. There will be a graveside service at Mayson Memorial Cemetery on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 3 PM with Rev. Glenn Mosteller officiating. The family will receive visitors at the gravesite after the service. Memorials may be made to Red Bank Baptist Church, 309 E. Church Street, Saluda, SC 29138 or to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 404 Batesburg Hwy., Saluda, SC 29138.