Obituaries
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On Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Lillie “Ruth” Godbolt, 67, took her eternal rest, surrounded by her children at Froedtert South Medical Center, Pleasant Prairie, WI.
Ruth was born to Thomas and Maggie (Davis) McElveen, Sr., on June 17, 1957, in Charleston, SC.
Ruth was a proud graduate of Bons Wilson High School and Concordia University. Ruth was a strong advocate in the power of education and its ability to transform lives. Her commitment to excellence and learning left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Ruth worked for the Federal Government for 34 years, where she not only built a successful career but also forged lifelong friendships and a second family. Her dedication, leadership, and warmth endeared her to all she worked with.
Ruth married Alston Godbolt, Sr., of North Chicago, IL, then were blessed with two children. In 1988, the couple moved to Kenosha, WI where they began attending Second Baptist Church. Faith was central in Ruth’s life, as she had given her life to Christ at an early age, she served loyally on the Usher Board at Second Baptist Missionary Church, where she greeted everyone with a warm smile and a caring heart.
In her free time, Ruth loved to dance and listen to live music, finding joy in the rhythm of life. Her laugh, warmth, and love of life were infectious, leaving a legacy of happiness for all who knew her.
Ruth leaves a lasting legacy to her children, Alston (Shannon) Godbolt, Jr of Kenosha and Ashley (Michelle) Godbolt-Taylor of Saint Petersburg, FL; and bonus daughter, Tracy Godbolt of Waukegan, IL. She was the proud grandmother of five cherished grandchildren, Trania, Taylor, Alexei, Layla, and Amir, whose laughter and joy brought light to her life. She also leaves her beautiful memories to be carried by her sisters, Elizabeth Gross of Stone Mountain, GA, Deborah Charles of Lithonia, GA, and Marcella (Mark) McElveen-Shaw or Covington, GA. She also shared a special bond with her beloved host of nieces and nephews, who adored her.
Ruth was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 30 years, Alston Godbolt Sr.; and her parents, Thomas and Maggie McElveen. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Cross and Idella Whaley; her brothers, Thomas McElveen Jr., Joseph McElveen; and brother-in-law Harvey Cross.
A special thank you to Shannon Godbolt, whom has been a dutiful, caring, and beautiful daughter-in-love for the past 20 years. We couldn’t ask for a better angel to be in our midst.
Service Date December 21, 2024
SERVICE LOCATION Second Baptist Church
Memorial services honoring Lillie’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Second Baptist Church, 3925 32nd Ave, Kenosha.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231, https://www.heart.org are appreciated by the family.
