Ruth Eleanor Gottsch Gross

Ruth Eleanor Gottsch Gross, 77, passed away at a Nampa assisted living facility on September 29, 2010. She was the third of seven children born to George and Vavene Gottsch on October 7, 1932 in Coleman, South Dakota. After moving west to Washington in 1936, her family came to the Treasure Valley of Idaho in 1943, settling on a small farm southeast of Wilder in 1947. She graduated from Wilder High School in 1950 and married her high school sweetheart Charles "Hank" Gross on August 3, 1952. They continued to be a part of the Wilder community where Ruth became actively involved in the Wilder United Methodist Church and events such as Red Cross Blood Drives, Jolly Janes, and the Wilder Auction. She loved entertaining and cooking for friends and family. Her enthusiasm for staying active included playing volleyball and softball, dancing, and learning to snow ski later in life. After nurturing and raising 5 children, Ruth and Hank enjoyed traveling domestically and internationally, and spending time at their family cabin in New Meadows, Idaho. Her passion however was playing an active role in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Hank; parents, George & Vavene Gottsch; sisters Josephine Sorenson, Helen Nua, Donna Holderness; brothers, Virgil Gottsch, Harold Gottsch, and Donald Gottsch. Ruth is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Judy Ann Gross of Caldwell; daughter and son-in-law Joanne and Bob Graff of Boise; son and daughter-in-law Ray and Diane Gross of Wilder; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Barry Crandell of Meridian; daughter Chris Gross of St Petersburg, Florida; and grandchildren Jerri (Mike) Woodworth and Jon (Mollie) Gross, Becki and Robyn Graff, Jenny (Logan) Brown and Stacie Gross, and Jessica and Doyle Crandell. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren Sean and Megan Woodworth. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Streamside Assisted Living Facility and Life's Doors Hospice for their tender and loving care. The family will be holding a private graveside service at the Wilder Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at the Caldwell United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 4th. A reception will follow the service at the Caldwell Elks Lodge. Friends may call at Dakan Funeral Chapel in Caldwell from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The family suggest in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Red Cross of Idaho, Wilder Schools Athletic Program, the Wilder Public Library, or a charity of choice. Memories and condolences may be shared in Ruth's online tribute at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com.