Ruth E. Gunden

Ruth E. Gunden, 90, died Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Greencroft Healthcare.

She was born September 11, 1930, the youngest of nine children born to Chris “C.J.” and Agnes (Albrecht) Gunden in Goshen.

Survivors include a sister, Doris (Carl) Metzler of Goshen; a brother, Donald Gunden of Myerstown, Pennsylvania; and a multitude of extended family.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Elva Huneryager and Lois Gunden Clemens; and four brothers, Orville, Cleland, Elton and Ralph Gunden.

A life-long area resident, Ruth was an advocate for education and sporting opportunities for women and girls at all levels.

Ruth graduated valedictorian of her high school class and went on to study at Goshen College where in 1952 she earned a bachelor’s degree in education.  She earned a master’s and doctorate in physical education from the University of Iowa.  She used those degrees to teach in the Goshen Community Schools for a year and at Goshen College from 1953-1994.

The Ruth E. Gunden Fieldhouse is named in her honor in recognition of her years of services as a “pioneer” in women’s athletics within the Mennonite college world and as a coach and teacher at Goshen College.  During her career she coached softball, volleyball, basketball and tennis while teaching physical education at the college.  In the early years of women’s athletics at Goshen College her teams competed against Indiana, Purdue and Notre Dame Universities.  In addition to teaching and coaching, Ruth was heavily involved in related professional organizations.

As the college’s first female SST leader in 1971 to Jamaica, Ruth’s interest and involvement invigorated her leadership in future international students’ educational opportunities at Goshen College.  She went on to serve as the SST Director from 1988 until her retirement in 1994.  She was able to see much of the world and developed a special affinity with Chinese scholars.

She was a longtime active member of College Mennonite Church.

Visitation will be Saturday, Aug. 7, from 1 p.m. until the 3 p.m. memorial service at College Mennonite Church.  Light refreshments will follow the service.

Memorial gifts may be directed to College Mennonite Church for their International Student Aid Fund or Goshen College Athletic Department.