Ruth Gatchell, 95, of Sodus, passed away, Wednesday, December 14, 2021 at Pine Ridge Nursing & Rehabilitation in Stevensville.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, 245 Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, with Rev. Dan Golladay officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit with the family Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Church. Memorial donations in Ruth’s name may be made to Napier Parkview Baptist Church. Those wishing to sign Ruth’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Ruth was born August 18, 1926 in Chicago to Frederick C. & Ella (Wickman) Albrecht, Sr. She graduated high school and attended Fort Wayne Bible College. In February 1966, she married William Gatchell in Eau Claire. Ruth devoted her life to caring for her family, helping Bill on the family farm, and serving her Lord at Napier Parkview Baptist Church. In her free-time she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, crafting, watching all sports and rooting for the Chicago Cubs & Bears and the Michigan State Spartans & Michigan Wolverines.
Ruth is survived by her two sons-Ken (Rosalie) Hansen, Sr. of Stevensville, Robert (M. Marie) Hansen of Bristol, IN; step-children-Dan (Mary) Gatchell of St. Augustine, FL, Denelle Hunt of Stevensville; seven grandchildren-Ken Hansen Jr., Brian (Jennifer) Hansen, Steve Joslyn, Teresa (Doug) Zollinger, Robert (Brenda) Hansen, Jr., Raymond (Kelley) Hansen, Ryan (Megan) Hansen; twenty-one great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Betty Albrecht of Bridgman; several nieces & nephews; and special friend & caregiver Melissa Frank of Stevensville. She was preceded in death by her husband William on March 24, 2012 and by siblings-Winifred Martelle & Frederick C. Albrecht, Jr.