Ruth Goodspeed 02/12/2014

Ruth Elizabeth Goodspeed, age 84 of New Richmond, died Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at The Deerfield Care Center in New Richmond.  Ruth was born the daughter of Peter and Thea (Everson) Thompson on April 28, 1929 in Star Prairie, WI.  She attended Amery Schools.  She married Leon E. Goodspeed on June 20, 1946 and raised three children.  Ruth worked various jobs.  She was a secretary and ran errands for her husband Leon “Speed” while he was a car salesman and owner of Stone Auto Sales.  They enjoyed those years very much, retiring at an early age.  Married for 53 years, they lived in Mesa, AZ in the winter.  Owning a lake cabin and hunting and fishing trailers, they entertained friends and relatives constantly.  Ruth was active in the choir and circles at First Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed cooking and entertaining.  She was known and admired for her singing and Norwegian traditions.  Ruth will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She is survived by her children, Carol (Jim) Dittman, Steve (Colleen) Goodspeed, Nancy Geving; grandchildren, Dan (Michelle) Dittman, Deborah (Todd) Henry, Darren (Kristin) Dittman, Jennifer (Darnay) Benner, Tony Geving, Hannah Goodspeed, Ashley (Dave) Heitmann; great-grandchildren, Brady Henry, Gabrielle Henry, Dane Dittman, Amelia Dittman, Ben Dittman, Adelle Dittman, Olivia Dittman, Isabella Benner, Indigo Benner, Julian Benner, Adalyn Heitmann, Evelin Heitmann; sisters, Betty Williams, Sonja Rutcosky; and many nieces and nephews.  Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Thea Thompson; husband, Leon “Speed” Goodspeed; brother, Wayne; and sisters, Gladys, Fern, and Edna.  A Funeral Service was held on Monday, February 17, 2014 at 11 am at First Lutheran Church 218 County Road K New Richmond.  At Ruth’s request, a fried chicken dinner was served following the service.  Visitation was also held on Monday from 10-11 am at the church.  Spring interment will be in New Richmond Cemetery.  A special thank you to family, friends and the staff at the Deerfield Care Center.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.