Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Aletha Ranstead Obituary
Aletha M. Ranstead, 86, of Richland Center, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 1:57 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, at Hickory Creek of Rochester.
On Dec. 28, 1937, Aletha Marie McGee was born in Fulton County to Clifford Fremont and Bessie Irene Sanders McGee. Growing up she shared her childhood with an older brother Charles. Proudly she graduated from Richland Center High School.
Aletha and Richard L. Ranstead were married Sept. 15, 1956, in the Richland Center United Methodist Church. They shared 68 years of life's adventures. From their union came a daughter, Karen, and two sons, David and Rick. Two more generations have been added to the family tree with the blessings of five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Paramount in Aletha's life was her family, being a devoted mother and a loving farmer's wife always ready to help out. She enjoyed the retail world, and many will remember her at the Wile's Department Store, Sears Catalogue Store or working with Dave at the Dairy Queen.
From her kitchen command post Grandma Aletha enjoyed hosting her family's dinners during the holidays and special family celebrations. Always in demand were her delicious steaming beef and noodles with mashed potatoes and a bubbling blueberry pie from her oven. She was very proud of her legacy and enjoyed following the grands' and the greats' school activities, sports and choir concerts.
Left to cherish Aletha's memory are her husband Dick, daughter Karen Fouts and husband Ric; son Rick Ranstead and wife Carrie, all of Rochester; five grandchildren, Karissa Burkett and husband Joey, Aaron Ranstead and wife Kalyn, Staci Heinzmann and husband Stephen, Ryan Ranstead and wife Shaylee, Nicole Ranstead; seven great-grandchildren, Madison, Mylee, Matilyn, Adarius, Aleyna, Milan and Brantley.
Preceding Aletha in death are her parents, son David L. Ranstead on March 21, 2017 and brother Charles McGee in 2010.
A celebration of the life of Aletha M. Ranstead will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Pastor David Sommers will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 9-11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Hickory Creek Activity Department, 304 E. 18th St., Rochester, IN 46975. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Aletha Ranstead
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Aletha Ranstead's name
Memorial Events
for Aletha Ranstead
Aug
16
Aug
16
How to support Aletha's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Aletha Ranstead's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
