Ruth Goodman, 101, passed away Sunday morning, February 11, 2018, at her home. She was born May 5, 1916, the youngest daughter of Henry J. and Emma Weiselberg Witkop. She lived all of her life in Grand Traverse County.

May 14, 1933, she married Wilson R. Goodman. They were happily married for 63 years until his death in 1996. Although they had no biological children, they took in several foster children.

Ruth worked as an LPN at the Regional State Hospital for 25 years, retiring in 1978. Along with nursing, she and Wilson raised registered Black Angus cattle and maintained a 5000 hen operation. They enjoyed traveling together.

Ruth enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, jigsaw puzzles, baking, cooking and was a member of the Literacy Counsel and taught reading for several years after retirement. She was an active member of Traverse Bay United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters, Wilhelmina Youker, Alice Hoxie, Grace Slocum and Lucille Boone, as well as her niece Virginia Duff who was like another sister, and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and her "Goodman Girls" group of caregivers who made it possible for her to remain in her Deerfield Lane home that Wilson built for her. She loved them both dearly.

We will celebrate her life at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation one hour previous to the service. Chaplain Rick Scott will officiate at the service. There will be a cookie and coffee reception following the service. Burial will follow in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions to honor Ruth's memory may be directed to Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, 1200 Ramsdell St. Traverse City, MI 49684 or to The Christian Worship Hour, P. O. Box 2002 Aberdeen, S. D. 57402 or online at www.christianworshiphour.com/donate .