Ruth Wingo McLain of Carrollton, Georgia peacefully transitioned to eternal life while surrounded by her family on September 10, 2026 at Tanner Hospital. She was born in Carroll County, Georgia on February 14, 1935, our daily Valentine for over 91 years. Her parents, Oscar Paul Wingo and Nellie Richardson Wingo, were both leaders at Bethany Christian Church in Carrollton. She attended Carrollton High School and recently attended the 75th Class of 1951 reunion which she helped organize. She attended Auburn University and considered the campus "sacred ground" shared with her father during childhood visits.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lester McLain, her high school sweetheart, to whom she was married on August 24, 1996, her brother, Charles Reese Wingo, and her son-in-law, Douglas Crawford.

She is survived by her two daughters, Dr. Ronee Smith Griffith, Atlanta, and Sheryl Smith Crawford, Carrollton, and her sister, Edna Herndon-Jordan, Carrollton. She is also survived by her stepsons, Stephen (Sarah) McLain of Americus, Ken (Robin) McLain of Winder, Mark McLain of McDonough, and daughter-in-law, Patty McLain of Newnan. Her twelve grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren knew her as Gigi: Amanda (Mark) Brandenburg and their children, Naomi, Hyatt, Remy; Mike (Trisha) Crawford ( and their children, Madison, Lance(Clare); DeShayne (Mike) Silvey and their children, Michaela (Matthew), Jacob, Lucas, Sky; Ryan (Taylor) McLain and their children, Ava, Asher; Duane (Dr. Rachel) McLain and their children, Mason, Oliver; Grant (Haley) McLain and Hank; Devon (Dr. Michael) Pattillo and their children, Maximus, Payton, Georgia; Patrick McLain; Matthew (Alicia) McLain; Luke (Jacqueline) McLain; Courtney (Casey) Brinson and their children, Reed, Emerson, Briggs; Hailey Minix and Luna) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth personified excellence in every endeavor. Only her consummate motherhood outshined her phenomenally successful career. Having started as a bookkeeper with Sealtest Dairies when she was a teen, she left to care for two young daughters, to be their grade mothers, Brownie and Girl Scout leaders, and was their biggest fan at all Trojan events. She later earned an accounting degree through self-study while at home parenting. When her children graduated high school, she returned to Sealtest-Breyers full-time. With her outsized work ethic and giftedness, she was promoted annually in both accounting and sales, became the first woman to hold Senior Management positions, won countless regional and national awards, and ultimately retired as Regional Vice President of Sales following a remarkable career with Sealtest-Breyers and Kraft Foods.

Early retirement from corporate life gave her many years to enjoy her passions. She was ultimate Southern cook, an indominable bridge player for over 60 years, and an avid SEC football aficionado. She will be shouting "War Eagle" from Heaven!

The family will receive friends at Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. with Minister Allen Howard officiating. After the service, friends are invited to join the family for refreshments at Martin & Hightower's Care House.

Her remains will be laid to rest with her parents at Bethany Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be given to:

The Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation

106 Trojan Drive

Carrollton, Georgia 30117

(770) 832-9633

or

Omni Christian Services

Pastor Allen Howard

324 Dyer Road

Carrollton, Georgia 30117

(678) 618-4258

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Taylor Gordon and Tanner Palliative Care for the many years of wonderful care and for the compassion shown during her final hours.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com .

Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is in charge of arrangements.