Ruth (Branch) Gooden, 77, of New Bedford died September 12, 2002 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.

She was the wife of the late William Gooden, Jr. and daughter of the late Benjamin and Roxie (Anderson) Branch.

Mrs. Gooden was born in Camden, NJ and lived in New Bedford most of her life.

She was a member of the International Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include a son, William Gooden of New Bedford; 2 daughters, Roxie Webster of Seattle, WA and Mary Gooden of New Bedford; 3 brothers, Benjamin Branch, Earle Branch and Nolan Branch, all of Camden, NJ; a sister, Gloria Branch of Camden, NJ; 3 grandchildren, Paige Gooden, Sydney Webster and Dylan Webster; several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, Saturday, September 14th at 6 PM.

Visiting hours Saturday, September 14th from 3-6 PM.

Interment private.