In Memoriam: MarthaJane Goodwin
Grandma was a strong, funny, and kind lady. Many can recall her funny remarks correcting Grandpa George. She loved her husband, faith, family, birthdays, sports, and coffee. She was married to George for over 50 years; the two were inseparable. Her strong German-American personality will be greatly missed!
I can remember this small story. When I was around 10 years old, she would make us crepes for breakfast when we came to visit her in the beautiful Sierra Valley from Southern California. My brother David and cousin James and many other cousins would have a contest of who could eat the most crepes. While she faithfully made the crepes, they ate over 30 crepes each. Along for rest of the family, she made over 100 homemade crepes! This is one example of her love for her family.
Like her crepes, it was sweet to see Grandma and Grandpa’s God-fearing marriage. They expressed their love for God and one another. I will also never forget the time I visited my grandparents during my spring break trip three years ago. Grandpa made oatmeal for breakfast, and I made us coffee and smoothies. It was a relaxing winter, and we watched sports on TV. During this winter, the ranch and valley was full water. If felt like the Lord blessed the land knowing that this was their last winter together. The foundation’s land in Clover Valley and Dotta Valley encompassed a thriving ecosystem full of water. However, none of the roads were snow plowed. Grandpa proposed to visit Clover to see the beautiful landscapes. Grandma, however, said that we would get stuck in the snow. Nevertheless, she took her book and joined us on the drive. After driving up to see Clover Valley and Dotta, we hit snow. Grandpa told us that he really wanted to see the beautiful landscape, we got stuck about ½ mile driving off the regular road. Although they argued and bickered, there was a sense of love in a funny way. It made me laugh inside thinking that this is what I want in a relationship. Even if I argued with my future wife, I would be respectful yet say sorry. Uncle Scott came to the rescue after I ran about 2 miles down the road for reception to call. It was honestly a highlight to see them together and this beautiful valley. Once we drove back, we enjoyed each other’s warm company during dinner.
Grandma loved the land since the family history has roots in the valley. This is why George and Martha had their son Martin help create this foundation to preserve this land for future generations to enjoy. On October 29, 2018, Grandma’s passing deeply saddened our family. However, I believe she has resurrected to the Lord with her new spirit in the heavens with Grandpa. Regardless of this passing which mourned us all deeply, I felt the Lord cared for our family through a new great-grandchild. My sister Sarah had a baby whose middle named is the male form of Martha (which is Martin) and which is after my father’s name. This new life and sign of resurrection to the family cherished and comforted us. Only the Lord could arrange such timing and need for this baby’s blessing. In her memory, we named Goodwin’s General Stores Coffee Shop after her love for coffee. As our hearts mourn for our special grandmother, we can thank the Lord for her life and all her blessings and exemplary pattern to us. Thank you Lord for our grandma MarthaJane.