Ruth Reed

Ruth Goldie Reed of Monticello, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2010 at Monticello Assisted Living & Healthcare. She was born July 15, 1932 in Rensselaer, daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Halsema) Sommers. Ruth was the eleventh of twelve children.

Ruth spent her early life in Rensselaer caring for her invalid parents. She also worked for Schumacher Electric Corporation and for Mrs. Barlow who sold baked goods.

Ruth moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1972 after the death of her mother. She married Gerald Dean Reed who was in the U.S. Army. After Gerald served his country in the Vietnam War, the couple returned to Indiana and settled in Monon. Ruth worked at the South Side Cafeteria/Monon Pizza King until 1992. She then moved to Monticello and lived at Lakeview County Home for almost 15 years.

Ruth enjoyed spending time with her family and watching NASCAR. Her favorite driver was Rusty Wallace.

Ruth is survived by one sister, Sophie (Mrs. John W.) Tilton of Rensselaer, two brothers, Russell (wife: Anita) Sommers of Grand Prairie, Texas and Richard (wife: Shirley) Sommers of Monroe, Michigan, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald, her parents, three sisters: Elizabeth Sommers, Martha (Mrs. James) Barton, Louise (Mrs. Owen) Williams; five brothers: John “Jack” (wife: Sally) Sommers, Robert (wife: Wilma) Sommers, Carl Sommers, Raymond (wife: Aline) Sommers, and Harold (wife: Betty) Sommers.

Friends may call on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 from 10:00AM until time of services at 12:00PM at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer with Father Ken Pleiman officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of Rensselaer. The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Diabetes Association.