Aletha M. Ranstead, 86, of Richland Center was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 1:57 PM on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

On December 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 on September 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 11:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2024, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Pastor David Sommers will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 9-11 AM on 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.