Ruby McDonald Daughdrill

Ruby McDonald Daughdrill, daughter of the late John Perry McDonald and Rosa Lee Alcorn McDonald, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Born on January 8, 1932, in Hahira, cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, Ruby was truly a jewel in her family’s life. Her great sense of humor, warmth, lively spirit and quick tongue made her a memorable presence.

Ruby is lovingly survived by her daughter, Sarah Kathrine Fondren, and her son, Paul Keith (Lisa) Hodge of Valdosta. She was a proud grandmother to Michael (Jeannie) Mindziak, Christy (Bill) Canfield, Lee (Thomas) Stewart, Samantha (Dr. Eric) Stiefel, David (Rachel) Enfinger all of Valdosta, Chad Hodge (Joe) Craig of Baltimore, Maryland, and Tonya (Jay) Rosenberger of Arlington, Texas. These grandchildren brought immense joy to Ruby’s life and blessed her with a beautiful circle of great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a dear niece, Vivian Rumker, who was raised alongside Ruby like a sister, and special cousins David and Christi McDonald.

Ruby’s legacy is also marked by those who preceded her in death: her parents; her husband, Chris Daughdrill; her son Billy Gene Hodge; her son-in-law John Hart Fondren; an infant sister Carrie Lee Patton; sister Doris Cowart, niece Mildred McLeod, raised in the family as her sister, and her brothers Leonard McDonald, Jessie McDonald, and Wilford McDonald; and a sister-in-law Helen McDonald.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor John Chick will lead the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. A private family committal will take place at Lake Park Cemetery.

In honor of Ruby’s memory, flowers will be gratefully accepted, or donations may be made to Statenville Church of God, First Christian Church, or Langdale Hospice. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the staff of Hospice of South Georgia, Lakeland Villa, and especially to Rose who cared for Ruby with such love and compassion.

Ruby’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.