Ruth Evelyn (Lee) GANGSTEAD

LEE, GANGSTEAD, BOADE, BRAUGHTON, ABITZ

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:58

12 January 1920 ---- 18 October 2006

Ruth E. Gangstead, 86, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, formerly of Eagle Grove, died on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 after a lengthy illness. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2006. Burial was at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove, Iowa, with Pastor Paul Stone officiating.

She is survived by one brother, Virgil Lee (Marilyn) of Tucson, AZ. Survivors also include two daughters; Sandra Boade (Allan) of Sioux Falls, and Jane Braughton of Tampa, FL. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Erin Boade of Austin, TX., Garth Boade of Ft Collins, CO., Allison Abitz of Minneapolis, MN., Tait Boade of Sioux Falls, and Johannah Braughton of Tampa, FL; and two great grandchildren, Alana Boade and Ashley Boade. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Harold and eight of her siblings. She was also preceded in death by a grandson.

Ruth Evelyn Lee was born on January 12, 1920, to Eric (Ira) and Rasmina Lee on a homestead in a farm community of Poplar, Montana. She was born into a large family of Norwegian ethnic heritage. After a short time in Montana, the family moved to Iowa. Ruth was raised near Thor. She received her primary education in a rural school. She attended high school in Thor, where she enjoyed and excelled in sports, particularly basketball.

She and her siblings worked hard contributing to the well being of the family. In 1940, Ruth married Harold Gangstead. They lived in Omaha, Nebraska and California for a few years, until Harold enlisted in the US Marine Corp. After the war they lived in Eagle Grove, Iowa where they raised their two daughters, Sandy and Jane, and where they enjoyed the company of many friends and family. Ruth was actively and creatively employed in many different employment positions. She opened a very busy and successful beauty shop in Eagle Grove, Iowa which she enjoyed and which provided many fond memories later. Ruth and Harold enjoyed many friends and a large family in Eagle Grove. They played golf, cards and many other social activities. When Ruth and Harold retired, they came to live in Sioux Falls, SD to be near their daughter, Sandra and her family. She loved spending time with all of her grandchildren. Ruth loved the Lord and trusted Him in good times as well as in times of trial.

The Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove was in charge of the arrangements.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
October 25, 2006