Lareatha A. Goodwin

Lareatha Anne (McFarland) "Tootie" Goodwin, 77, of Rothbury, Mich., passed away on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, at her daughter's home in Holdrege, Neb. She was born on Feb. 18, 1936, at Carp Lake, Mich., the daughter of Gordon and Della (Ford) McFarland.

On Feb. 7, 1955, she was united in marriage to Terrence C. Goodwin and to this union five children were born: Terrence, Gregory, Victoria, Kelly and Patrick.

She was employed as a nurse's aid for many years in Hopewell, Va., while her husband was stationed at the Army base at Fort Lee, Va. Later, she was employed for many years as a sales associate with J.C.Penney, first in Petersburg, Va., and then transferring to Petoskey, Mich., after her husband retired from the military.

During her retirement years, she enjoyed playing marbles and bingo and traveling to visit her children and spending winters in Arizona. She was a very caring and giving woman, donating to many worthwhile charities including the American Cancer Society, the Children's Wish Foundation and Hospice to name a few. She was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband, Terrence Goodwin; brother-in-law, Michael Goodwin; one sister, Audrey McFarland; and brothers: Gene McFarland, Michael Archer and Robert Lee Archer.

Survivors include: her five children, Terrence C. Goodwin of Rochester, Minn., Gregory Goodwin and his wife, Dawn of Harbor Springs, Mich., Victoria Sisson and her husband, Michael of Holdrege, Kelly Cox and her soulmate, Michael Close of Northford, Conn., and Patrick Goodwin of Petoskey, Mich.; seven grandchildren, Andrea Norris and her husband, Justin, Brian Sisson and his wife, Katharine, Jeffrey Sisson, Angela Cox, Jamerson Cox, Charlie Fitol and his wife, LaShonda and Tod Schramm; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers, Harry, Leslie and Flip; eight sisters, Aldene, Loretta "Billie," Jane, Marietta, Robin, Christine, Nola, Penny; sisters-in-law, Betty Goodwin of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Dale Goodwin of Chelsea, Mich.; brother-in-law, Timothy Goodwin and his wife, Lynn of East Jordan, Mich.; special friends, Robert Dickey and Richard and Donna Harrington; and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives; and friends.

Lareatha's family is honoring her wish for cremation and private memorial services. Inurement will be held in Arlington National Cemetery next to her husband, Terrence.

A memorial has been established in Lareatha's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com. The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.