Ruth Melchor Goodrum, 74, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville. She was born on August 16, 1951, in Mooresville to the late Gibbs and Bernice Mundell Melchor.

Ruth was a graduate of Queens College in Charlotte. She was owner and operator, along with her husband, of Sea Shell Pet Shop in downtown Mooresville for 43 years. She was a member of Coddle Creek ARP Church in Mooresville. Ruth and Freddie joined Coddle Creek after the birth of their first son, Zack. They wanted a community of love and support for Zack, and Coddle Creek provided that in abundance for many decades.

Ruth enjoyed traveling, especially to Canada to visit her large extended family. She also enjoyed watching her wild birds. Most importantly, she loved her family and taking care of them. This family included all her customers through the decades. Educating customers on proper care and understanding of all the different animals inside the pet shop was something she cared deeply about. Countless families and kids received their first dog, cat, reptile, fish, bird, or hamster from Ruth. She was not afraid to “shakedown” the family or customer before a purchase; however, ensuring they understood the importance of proper care and the commitment that was in front of them.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Zackery Thomas Goodrum.

She is survived by her loving husband, Freddie L. Goodrum; her son, Casey Gibbs Goodrum; sister, Evelyn Weatherman and husband Charlie; nephews, Andy Weatherman and Brian Weatherman; brother-in-law, Tom Goodrum and wife Carol; nephew, Michael Goodrum and niece, Leslie Baldwin; and several great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, from 10 to 11 a.m. with a service following at 11 a.m. at Coddle Creek ARP Church with Rev. Andrew Shoger officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Joy NC, 918 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Suite 127, Greenville, SC 29607, or Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County through their website (https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now) or Coddle Creek ARP Church, 2297 Coddle Creek Hwy., Mooresville, NC 28115.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice in Mooresville, for all the diligent and loving care provided to Ruth. From the hospital liaisons to the CNAs, nurses, doctors, and social workers, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County was a blessing when the family needed it the most.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Goodrum family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.