RUTH E. ODGAARD

Ruth Elaine (Fitch) Odgaard peacefully passed away on July 27, 2026 with family by her side.
Ruth was born on Dec. 31, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, to Leon and Florence (Stanhope) Fitch. She grew up in Humboldt and graduated from high school there. Ruth attended Iowa State Teachers college, Palomar College and took numerous financial institution courses.
Ruth married Fred Odgaard in 1949. She worked for several years as a legal secretary for Garfield, Baker & Miller in Humboldt. In 1960, they moved their family to California where Ruth worked as a trustee officer for Santa Ana Savings and Loan and as an executive secretary for the Orange Unified Education Association and CTA. Fred worked as a building inspector for the City of Orange. They moved to Valley Center in 1980. After Fred passed away in 1982, Ruth retired and spent many years traveling between Humboldt and Valley Center, CA.
Ruth was a longtime member of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO), the Congregational Church, Humboldt Historical Association, Humboldt Hospital Auxiliary and Friends of the Valley Center Library. She belonged to numerous bridge clubs and ladies golf leagues at the Humboldt Country Club. She did a variety of volunteer work at several organizations and locations.
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 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.