MARTHA GOODWIN

GOODWIN, MARTHA

HENLEY MATNEY, 93

Martha passed away July 20, 2014. She was the first of five children of Hezekiah A. Henley and Neina Isherwood Henley. She was predeceased by all four of her brothers.

She grew up in Carl Junction, Missouri and Columbus, Kansas where her father was a basketball coach. Her family moved to Columbia, Missouri in the late 1930's and she graduated from Hickman High School before attending the University of Missouri.

Martha moved to Columbia, Mo and raised her 5 children while working at State Farm Insurance Company. Some of her hobbies through her many years included bowling competitively and cross country motorcycle rides.

Martha moved to Gainesville in 1986 to be near her daughter Linda Figueroa. While living in Gainesville, Martha truly enjoyed volunteering at the Malcolm Randall VAMC. In her twenty years of volunteering, Martha volunteered over 25,698 hours. Martha enjoyed connecting with veterans and sharing stories of their missions. How she loved to share stories.

Martha also enjoyed her bowling league and continued to bowl until she was 90. She was an avid sports fan, and loved watching any and all sports. In December of 2010, her family threw her a week long 90th birthday celebration in San Francisco, CA. While there, she bowled, walked the Golden Gate Bridge, and spent time with family.

Martha is survived by 5 children; Susie Healy of San Francisco, Linda Figueroa of Gainesville, FL, James Matney of San Diego, CA, David Matney of Columbia, MO, and Rick Matney of Citra, FL. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.

Locally, she is survived by daughter Linda Figueroa, son Rick Matney, grandchildren; Jane Lee, Victor Figueroa Jr. and Daria Lee. Great grandchildren; Cassie James, Jake Lee, R.J. Lee, and Cody McBrayer, great-great grandson Waylon James.

Services will be held for family in Missouri. In remembrance, light a candle, or volunteer at the VAMC or charity of choice. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Woodlands Care Center for their care and attention over the last three years for "Granny", as the staff affectionately called her.