Ruth (Ellis) Allgood

Emily Ruth Ellis Allgood passed away on July 29, 2023, at the age of 96.  Ruth was born to Emily Inez Jones Ellis and Joshua Clifford Ellis on September 12, 1926, in Oxford, GA.  After graduating from Palmer Stone High School as valedictorian, she continued her education at Georgia State College for Women (now Georgia College and State University) receiving a bachelor’s degree in elementary education where she was a member of Alpha Psi Omega, a national honorary dramatic fraternity. Her first job was in Porterdale, GA, living in the Teacherage, and teaching 1st graders whose parents worked in the mill.  On December 21, 1947, she married her childhood sweetheart, Robert Luke Allgood.  Following the path of Luke’s career with Southern Bell, they lived in Oxford, GA; and Conyers, GA before settling in Madison, GA in 1964.  During their 61 years of marriage, they were blessed by three daughters, Lynne MacMaster, Emily Johnson, and Carole Hanes.

Ruth taught primarily 1st grade for her 27 years as a teacher, but also taught 4th and 6th grade.  Her teaching career took her to Porterdale Elementary School, Buckhead Elementary School, and Morgan County Primary School. She was a beloved teacher by children, parents, and colleagues.  Upon retirement she became active in the Morgan County Retired Educators Association and was granted emeritus status by the Georgia Retired Educators Association in 2012.  A two-time cancer survivor, she was active in the American Cancer Society in Newton County, and Madison, GA. She was “First Lady” of Madison, during the 17 years that Luke served as mayor.

Ruth was known for many things, but her sweet disposition, thoughtful and loving nature, positive outlook, and giving spirit top the list.  She was an accomplished seamstress and made exquisite clothes for her daughters, grandchildren, and great granddaughters.  She also shared this gift with the children of those whom she loved most.  She was a member of Madison First United Methodist Church and of the Heritage Sunday School Class. She was active in the informal Friday lunch club at Madison Drug Company.

She was predeceased by her parents and 5 Ellis brothers; Wales, Bill, Jack, Charles, and Leland; and her husband, Luke.  She is survived by her children Lynne MacMaster (Richard), Emily Johnson (Mike), and Carole Hanes (Clifton); her grandchildren, Jennifer Stewart (Seth), Robert Hanes (Jessica), Steven Johnson (Joanna), and Jake Johnson (Alyssa); her 7 great granddaughters, Katy and Eliza and Sybbie Stewart, Hensley Hanes, Curci, Ellis, and Frances Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.   

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 5 from 4-6 PM at A.E. Carter Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, August 6 at the Madison First United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow at the Madison City Cemetery.  

To honor her memory the family suggests one of the following:  flowers; Morgan Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 860, Madison, GA 30650, or Madison First United Methodist Church (memo line: Preschool Ruth Allgood), P.O. Box 350, Madison, GA 30650.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth (Ellis) Allgood, please visit our floral store.