Ruth Goodhart - February 11, 2013

Eleanor Ruth Goodhart passed away at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska on Monday, February 11, 2013, having reached the age of 98 years, five months, and 18 days. She was born on August 24, 1914, to Alfred and Jessie (Craig) Grossenbacher on a farm south of Humboldt in the Middleburg vicinity.
Ruth moved with her parents to Humboldt in 1919 and attended school from kindergarten through high school in Humboldt, graduating with the class of 1932. She attended Peru State Teachers College and taught in rural schools for six years during the 1930’s.
On June 10, 1937, Ruth was united in marriage to Dale Goodhart in Kansas City, Missouri by the same minister who married her parents 25 years before. To this union, two children, Judy and Lee, were born.
Ruth was active throughout her life in the businesses she and Dale operated including a filling station and feed store through August of 1942, when they moved to Plattsmouth to participate in the war effort. Upon their return and until 1964, Ruth and Dale owned and operated the Goodhart & Son Feed & Seed business and subsequently the Goodhart Western Auto Store in Auburn through 1967. They returned to Humboldt to operate the O.A. Cooper Grain Elevator and the O.A. Cooper Seed Store until 1976.
Ruth and Dale both worked at the Wilhelm Plumbing & Electric in Humboldt as long as they were able, Ruth until she was 91. Throughout their lives, they traveled extensively when possible in the United States. Ruth was a lifelong member of the Humboldt United Methodist Church and a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Dale Goodhart.
Ruth is survived by her daughter Judy Wilhelm and her husband Ron of Humboldt; son Lee Goodhart and his wife Karla of La Crosse, Wisc.; grandchildren: Craig (Debbie) Wilhelm of Rising City; Christopher (Kim) Goodhart of Marlborough, Mass.; Dan (Heather) Stacey of La Crosse; Eric (Stacey) Wilhelm of Hiawatha; Lisa Buchta of Lincoln; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister Maxine Killeen and her husband John of Lincoln; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 16, at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt, with Pastor Jaclyn Hoy officiating.
Interment was at the Humboldt Cemetery.
Memorials contributions may be given to the Humboldt United Methodist Church or to family’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at http://www.wherrymortuary.com.
Wherry Mortuary of Humboldt was in charge of arrangements.