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Ruth Elaine (Fitch) Odgaard peacefully passed away on July 27, 2026, with family by her side. Ruth was born on December 31, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She grew up in Humboldt, Iowa, and graduated from high school there.
Throughout her life and for everyone who crossed her path, Ruth had a ready smile, a helping hand, and a sympathetic ear. She lived life simply and unpretentiously, serving her family, friends and community. Ruth was a gracious lady, sincerely loved and respected, fondly remembered by all who were blessed to have known her, and deeply missed by those closest to her.
Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Odgaard; parents, Leon and Florence (Stanhope) Fitch; brother, Captain William Fitch; sister and husband, Jean and Harry Hull; and her Odgaard brothers and sisters-in-law. She is survived by her son Steven Odgaard of Gardnerville, NV; son William (Bill) Odgaard of Valley Center, CA; daughter Sandra Burton of Valley Center, CA; and grandchildren Sean Burton, Justin Burton, Fred Odgaard and Kristen Odgaard and families. She is also survived by sister-in-law Verdel Linden and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth will be interred at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, CA.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Congregational Church in Humboldt, IA, to Cottey College, or to a charity of your choice.