Gooding, Ruth

Ruth Marion Gooding, of Stratford passed away at Greenwood Court, Stratford on Wednesday October 28, in her 93^rd year.  Born in East Luther Township, Dufferin County, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Ella (Townsend) Potter.  Ruth operated a Bed and Breakfast in Stratford for 45 years.  She was an active member of St. John’s United Church, Stratford and a volunteer at the St. John’s Preschool.  She was also a member of the Friends of the Festival.  She was predeceased by her husband John (Jack) James Duncan on October 19, 1990.  Beloved wife of Vernon (Vern) Gooding.  Dear mother of Rev. David Duncan of Woodstock and fiancé Ruth King of Plattsville and Jeffrey Duncan and wife Cheryl of Calgary, Alberta.  Dear step-mother of Gloria Campbell of Orangeville, Grant Gooding and wife Marilyn of Milton, Tom Gooding and wife Nancy of Schenectady, New York, Janice Hill and husband Michael of Orangeville, Garry Gooding of Stratford and Ellen Higgins and husband Sean of Guelph.  Also survived by step-daughters-in-law Doris Gooding of Ardrossan, Alberta and Eva Gooding of Milton, twenty grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and sisters Mary Fair and Shirley Lostraco both of Guelph.  Besides her first husband and parents, she was predeceased by an infant daughter Jayne, a daughter-in-law Brenda, five sisters and step-sons Rick Gooding and Rodney Gooding. In accordance with Ruth’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and relatives will be received at the James A. Rutherford Funeral Home, 156 Albert Street, Stratford on Sunday, November 8, from 1p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 3:30p.m. Interment will be in Grand Valley Cemetery at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of Perth County through the funeral home at 519-271-5062. www.jarfh.com