Joyce A. Ritacco

Funeral service for Joyce Annette (Gooden) Ritacco, 61, of Hoyt Lakes, will be 11am Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert with Rev. Emily Rova Hegener officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Joyce died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 at her home in Hoyt Lakes. She was born Oct. 14, 1950 in Biwabik, MN to William and Pearl Gooden. Joyce was a graduate of Gilbert High School and later from Mesabi Community College with an Associates Degree. She earned her Bachelors in English from University of Wisconsin-Superior. Writing was her passion. Joyce wrote and published the books, "Snowbound" and "Summer Winds." She also wrote many poems and short stories. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed making clothing and crocheting blankets and quilts. Joyce worked as an editor and journalist in Luck, Wisconsin and Wadena, Minnesota. Survivors include her children, Richard (Dawn) Ritacco of Babbitt, Angela Ritacco of Virginia, Holly (Brandon Nurmi) Ritacco of West Eveleth and Regan Richardson of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Levi, Hailey May, Brody, Ashley, Mike, Kya, Devontae, Thomas, David, Kaitlyn and Xavier; great grandchildren, Hailey Jo, Landon and Alana; brothers, Dennis Gooden, Danny Gooden and David Gooden; sister, Bonnie Wendland; several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Gloria Jean and Diane; brother, Danny; nieces, nephews and cousins.