Betty Jean Goddard

Betty Jean Goddard, 92, of Muskegon went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving family and friends. Betty was born on August 27, 1923 in Decatur, Indiana to William and Aletha (Roop) Noll. She was one of fifteen children born to the couple. On November 21, 1945 she married Alvin C. Goddard and the couple spent 57 happy years together until his passing in 2003. They had seven children together. After WWII, Betty completed her RN training and received a B.A. in Nursing. Her career as a nurse spanned five decades and she served in a wide variety of professional roles. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and grandma great. All of her life she selflessly devoted her time and energy to those around her and did it with a grace that served as a life-long example to those closest to her. She is remembered for her practical wisdom, her playful wit, her inner strength and above all, the sweetness of her spirit. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Betty is preceded in death by her husband Alvin and their daughter Karen. She is remembered with love by sister Marilyn Price (Noll) of Decatur, Indiana, son Steven Goddard of Muskegon, daughter Kay (Douglas) Villa of Iron Mountain, Michigan, daughter Patricia (Dale) Farmer of Muskegon, son Jeffrey (Cheryl) Goddard of Muskegon, Robert (Jennifer) Goddard of Grand Rapids, daughter Sally Goddard of Rosiclare, Illinois, fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren, with one more due in May. A very special thank you to the loving compassionate staff at both Christian Care Nursing Center and LifeCircles. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m. at Ever Rest Funeral Home and Chapel 1783 East Keating Ave in Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to Christian Care Nursing Center or LifeCircles.