Norma Jean “Jeanie” (Kavanagh) Goff, 93, of West Mansfield, died peacefully in her home, with family by her side, on Sunday, March 14, 2021.
Jean was born on Feb. 20, 1928 in the rural West Mansfield area to the late Fred and Mabel (Wallace) Kavanagh. She was also preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses: Miriam (Lester) Jordan, Rosalie (Aim) Bunselmeier, Dickie (Casey) Zane, George (Lavere) Kavanagh, Ray (Bonnie) Kavanagh, and Nonie (Bernie) Wilgus; all of whom she loved so well. She was very proud and happy that each of the seven Kavanagh siblings were able to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversaries (and some many more) with their beloved spouses.
On Feb. 3, 1945, in her parents’ farm home where she grew up, Jeanie married her beloved Delphos “Del” Constant Goff, who absolutely adored her. They were married for 68 loving years until his death on Nov. 2, 2013. Together, they were dedicated, energetic, and well-known members of their community. They became and remained devoted and involved lifelong members of the West Mansfield United Methodist Church and showed their faith through willing participation and service in their village and larger community. Jean was a member of the King’s Daughters Silver Circle, the American Legion Auxiliary, the UMW, and spent time as an MYF leader, Cub Scout den mother, and room mother in the schools. Del and Jean also traveled the world together, visiting all of the 50 states and several countries on their many cruises and trips.
Jean especially enjoyed spending time with her large family, whether at a fancy party or casual get-together, holiday, wedding, reunion, or just a regular day when someone dropped by. There were many such occasions to spend visiting, near and far, with a large immediate and extended family, and so many friends and acquaintances made over time through her travels and adventures with Del. She welcomed each new addition to the family with warmth, love, and acceptance. In support of her children, grandchildren, and other family members, she attended a multitude of events. Every play, sporting event, musical performance, science fair, graduation, award ceremony, church concert, 4-H presentation, history walk, preschool program, and on and on – you name it, if she could possibly be there, she was. Her door was always open for family (whether or not she was even there) and friends, and she created a warm and welcoming environment for the many, many people who were her guests through the years.
Throughout her life, Jean demonstrated deep strength in character, mind, and body while also being gentle, kind, and caring. She fully dedicated herself to raising and supporting her family and was a complete success at this lifelong passion and demanding yet rewarding work. She provided a dynamic life for her family and relished spending time with each and every member in it. With Jean, her family enjoyed playing card and board games, putting together puzzles every winter, eating her delicious food and trying to master her recipes, her genuine and comforting hugs, and gathering for as many occasions as possible, from the largest groups to one on one visits with her, to sit and chat and laugh and spend time just being with her. A vote was taken and it shows she was the best parent in the US . . . possibly the world. She was smart, clever, and sharp-witted; organized, thoughtful, and able; prepared, open, and willing to move forward into whatever experiences life brought, both good and bad. She is the epitome of how to conduct oneself with strength and grace through life’s passage of time.
Surviving are Del and Jeanie’s six children, Dale (Linda) Goff, Thomas (Karen) Goff, Beverly Goff, Betty Lou (Tim) Van Buskirk, Roger (Robin) Goff, and Bradley Goff, all of Logan County; 11 grandchildren Lyn (David) Liner, Heather (Scott Sattler) Van Buskirk, Tyler (Jen) Goff, Kristel (Mark Siegel) VanBuskirk, Randy Goff, Seth (Sadie Banta) Van Buskirk, Kristin (Chad) Durian, Sara (Barry Chenault) Goff, Ciara (Ryan Harman) Goff, Jessica Goff, and Allyson Goff; eight great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Elizabeth Liner, Layne VanSiegel, Malcolm Sattler, Maddy Chenault, Tessa Sattler, Tommy and Chloe Jean Durian; and several nieces and nephews. The family gratefully thanks the special caregivers and the Universal Hospice attendants and nurses for their caring service.
There will never be anyone like her, though we’ll continue to enjoy and celebrate her life through traits of hers that we glimpse in one another and through the numberless memories we share of her. No collection of words could ever do justice to the wonderful person that Norma Jean Goff was, and we will forever be blessed for having known her.
Jean’s family sincerely appreciates your love and support as they mourn. Due to safety concerns with the ongoing pandemic, they will not hold a public service or visitation at this time. A service for the family will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, by the Reverend Doug Thompson. Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel 222 W. Center St. West Mansfield is handling arrangements for the family. Burial will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery, West Mansfield.
There will be a livestream of the private service on the funeral home Facebook page, Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, for anyone wishing to view the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Mansfield United Methodist Church, 212 E. Center Street, West Mansfield, OH 43358 or Universal Home Health & Hospice, 921 Rush Avenue, Bellefontaine, OH 43311. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com.