Alice "Ruth" Groeneveld, age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Saturday, January 27th, 2018.


Born March 22, 1936 in Newell, SD to James and Mildred (Esmay) Gadsden, Ruth had a childhood filled with adventure and laughter playing with her best friend and brother, James "Jim", and her baby brother, Tom.


Ruth graduated from Spearfish High School in 1954 and attended Black Hills State College where she met the love of her life and basketball star Jerome "Jerry" Groeneveld. In 1958, they graduated with teaching degrees on a Friday, were married Saturday, and drove to Oregon on Sunday to begin their teaching careers in the Klamath County School District in southern Oregon.


After a fulfilling teaching career that spanned over 30 years at Merrill Elementary in Merrill, OR, Falcon Heights Elementary in Klamath Falls, OR, and Henley Elementary in Klamath Falls, OR, Ruth kicked off retirement by hitting the road with Jerry in their new RV along with Ruth's parents. This once in a lifetime journey took them to much of the continental United States and was only the beginning of their travels on the open road. Some of Ruth's favorite destinations included Death Valley National Park and Caliente Springs RV Resort in Desert Hot Springs, CA where many memories were made with family and friends.


Ruth was a staple in every community she set foot in. Music filled her soul and she could be found every Sunday playing a lovely tune at United Methodist Church during her many years in Klamath Falls, OR and then most recently at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lead and Spearfish United Methodist Church. In between playing at her favorite congregations, she would sing and play piano in Spearfish at Burrs Tender Care Assisted Living and David M Dorsett Home where her dear Mother Mildred would smile and hum along. Ruth also directed the Bell Choir at church and accompanied the Middle School and High School Choirs, sharing her combined passion of music and teaching.


Everyone that had the pleasure of meeting Ruth instantly loved her. She had a heart of gold and more compassion than can be put into words. She leaves behind memories of her contagious laugh and a sense of humor that filled her life with grace and ease. Ruth would want us all to sing a song, play music, and celebrate one another, for she lived life in the way she played her gospel music: With love, compassion and grace.


She is survived by her daughter, Rene' Groeneveld of Albuquerque, NM and son, Lane (Gail) Groeneveld of Phoenix, AZ; her brothers, Jim (Lora) Gadsden of Yakima, WA and Tom (Carleen) Gadsden of Omaha, NE; her grandchildren, Melissa (David) Batterson of Omaha, NE, Tyler (Janice) Reid of Snoqualmie, WA, and MacKenzie (Jpaul) Dodson of Amarillo, TX; six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred (Esmay) Gadsden, and her beloved husband, Jerry Groeneveld.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruth's name to the Trinity United Methodist Church's projector system fund and/or the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead, SD to assist with the restoration of the angels. A service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 10:30am at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lead, SD.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com