Lou Ellen Goldy

Lou Ellen was born in Alex, Oklahoma, to Odis Washington and Anna Bell Phillips (Dungan). She married her first husband, William, in Oklahoma, where they welcomed their first daughter, Mary. Seeking better economic opportunities, the family moved to California, where their second daughter, Carol, was born. When William’s health began to decline, they returned to Oklahoma to be closer to family and support. After William’s passing, Lou Ellen faced the challenge of raising her daughters on her own with grace, determination, and faith.

When her daughter Mary married and settled in New Jersey, Lou Ellen moved with them and continued to raise Carol. She worked as a surgical technician, receiving on-the-job training, and remained in that profession until her retirement. After retiring, Lou Ellen stayed busy as a sample food demonstrator in grocery stores, running errands for her “elder” friends, and—most importantly—being a grandma to many generations of kindergartners at West Ridge Elementary.

Lou Ellen later met her husband, Bill, at First Baptist Church in Willingboro, and they were married for five years. Through this marriage, she welcomed his family with open arms. Bill passed away in 1986.

Lou Ellen was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren lovingly knew her as “Mom-Mom.” After her grandchildren in New Jersey grew up, she moved to Wisconsin to be closer to her grandchildren there. She was always ready to help—whether it was picking the kids up from school or caring for them when they were sick. Later, she moved to North Carolina to be near her great-grandchildren.

Lou Ellen was strong in her faith and raised her daughters accordingly. She accepted Christ as her Savior when she was young. No matter where life took her—New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, or North Carolina—finding a church home was always a priority.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Schmidtner (Josef) and Carol Groen; granddaughters, Krista Schmidtner, Rebecca Lee (Jesse), Genna Paulson (Jacob), and Katelynn Groen; great-grandchildren, Andrew Lee and Abigail Lee; along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members across America.

Lou Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Goldy; sister, Evelyn Keith; son-in-law, Brent Groen; stepdaughter, Janet Clark; and her parents, Odis and Anna Phillips.

Lou Ellen’s life was a testament to love, perseverance, and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers the Goldy family asks that you kindly consider making donations to Cross Trail Outfitters, it is an organization dear to their hearts. A link is provided below.