Helen M. Goodyear

Helen M. Goodyear

Helen M. Goodyear, 86, passed away peacefully with family near her side September 10th, 2014. She was born in Akron, Ohio to the late Earland Lora Cox, the third of four daughters.

Helen grew up in the Portage Lakes area of Ohio, and was a graduate of Coventry High School class of 1946. She continued her studies receiving her Associates Degree from Ohio University in 1948. Always active and energetic, Helen worked most of her entire adult life, retiring from Firestone in Akron, Ohio after over 35 years of service, last as an executive secretary in Firestone's corporate offices, and then working over 20 additional years at Westfield Country Club.

Helen was a long time resident of Barberton, Ohio and was an active member, and enthusiastic choir fellow, for many years at Lockwood United Methodist Church and then at First Presbyterian Church in Barberton, Ohio. More recently, after moving to Springfield, Ohio to be closer to family, Helen was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed immensely spending time with family and friends, and loved a good game of bridge. She lived by the adage

"Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how."

Helen loved to share stories of her family with all who would listen - and even with some who may have preferred not - as sharing was simply part of her. Strangers standing next to her in a grocery line or perhaps sitting close by at a local eatery were not long strangers, as Helen was generous with a smile, and blessed with a big heart and the 'gift of gab'. She was always willing to lend a hand to a friend in need or to help those in her community through her volunteer efforts at church and work. She will be dearly missed by all her family as well as the many whose good fortune permitted their paths to cross.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Earland Lora; her sister, Hazel (Cox) Swesey; and her ex-husband, David Goodyear. She is survived by sister, Margaret Rood of Barberton, Ohio; sister, Millie (Carl) Schafer of Dayton, Ohio; sister-in-law, Carol (Bill) Thombs of Westfield, Ohio; daughter, Claudia (Basil) Fettof Springfield, Ohio; son, Garth (Sandra) Goodyear of Coshocton, Ohio; son, Grant (Lee) Goodyear of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Vanessa, Clare, Brienna and Erin Goodyear; six nephews, three nieces, and nineteen great nephews and nieces.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Calling hours will be held September 18, 2014 from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by a celebration of lifeservice at 5 p.m. and dinner reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The calling hours, memorial service and reception will take place at Grace Brethren Church, 3970 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton, Ohio 44203.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome any gifts to be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Helen M. Goodyear (http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp), or to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Springfield, OH (organ fund).