Elizabeth Helene Goering

1920 - 2021

Elizabeth Helene Goering
October 30, 1920 - December 23, 2021
North Newton, Kansas - Elizabeth Goering was a well-loved matriarch with a passion for peace and justice.
Born in rural Butler County, Kansas, she was the eldest child of Albert S. and Florence Schumi Claassen. She grew up working on the family farm and caring for her 7 younger siblings. The family attended Emmaus Mennonite Church where she joined the congregation after her baptism. Her Christian religious beliefs remained solid through her entire life and served as a firm foundation for her passionate desire to learn, explore and grow.
Her formal education began in a one-room elementary school; she graduated from Whitewater High School in 1938. She attended Bethel College for 2 years where she met the love of her life, Victor Goering. They were married on June 11, 1943. After raising her family, Elizabeth returned to college and completed her degree, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She taught first grade in Hesston, KS for 17 years until she retired.
Throughout her life, she was an active feminist, an avid reader, politically involved and never afraid to speak her truth. She also was a skilled seamstress and a baker extraordinaire.
Elizabeth is survived by her 4 children: Steven (Stein) Goering and wife Barbara Duerksen of Richland Center, WI, Rachel (Rachelle) Goering and partner Todd Lejnieks of Cave Creek, AZ, Deborah (Deb) Teitelbaum and husband Howard of Scottsdale, AZ; Terence (TR) Goering and wife Kit of Newton, KS; 6 grandchildren: Kate Rutschman, Stephanie Lang Lynch, Scott Goering, Kelsey Goering, Nelson Goering, and Joel Goering; 5 great-grandchildren, and 5 siblings: Elva Unruh, Mildred Voran, Dora Golden, John Claassen, and Virgil Claassen. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Victor Goering, in 2016, and siblings Louis Claassen and Ruth Janzen.
In accordance with Elizabeth's wishes, her body will be cremated. A memorial service is tentatively planned for the spring of 2022, but no date has been set.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, Kauffman Museum, or Mennonite Women USA online, or in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, Kansas 67107.