Beverly Jean Goodman

Beverly (Bev) most recently resided in Yakima. She was once claimed Yakima's Renaissance Woman (Yakima Herald, 2007) because of her diverse and highly dedicated involvement in the community through music, counseling, mediation, volunteering, and political activities. She was an active member of Zanta and of the Democratic Party, and a strong advocate for women's issues.

Bev ran for 14th District State Legislative position as a Democrat. Family was most treasured to her and of utmost importance, as she was an amazingly attentive mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She was a highly valued friend to many, especially to her bridge playing best friends! She exhibited endless energy, compassion, and love!

Bev was born in 1928 in Hoquiam, WA to Hazel and Victor Johnson. She and her cherished sister Elaine grew up in Everett and attended Everett High School. Bev went on to attend college at UPS, obtaining Music and Education degrees. She married her love, Dick Goodman, after graduation, and they raised three children together, Larry, Janis, and Kathy. Many fun family trips and adventures were had! The Goodman's moved from Everett to Selah, WA in 1957 where both Bev and Dick became educators in the Selah School District. Bev moved into her most valued position as counselor at Selah Jr High. She often shared, "I love working with that age!"

Upon receiving her Master's degree at CWU at age 46, she transitioned into doing her effective work with community mental health, then private practice. She also held a part time teaching position with YVC where she empowered women returning to school and work through Assertive Training Courses. Dick and Bev were both into health, and enjoyed running. They helped form the Hard Core Runners Club, always encouraging others to actively participate.

Music was a passion. Bev was a gifted violinist, and played in the Yakima Symphony for many years. She loved giving of her time to play for others at church and other venues. She also directed the church choir. She was instrumental in starting Yakima's first Dispute Resolution Center and directed the Center for many years. She continued as a skilled mediator into retirement, volunteering for her mediation program for seniors.

Ten years after the loss of her beloved husband Dick, Bev met and married Glen Ward. They shared wonderful adventures together, until she lost him to a short illness. Bev moved to Kirkland, WA in 2007 to reside close to her sister Elaine and her family. She enjoyed participating in the many events of her nieces and nephew, and grandnieces. She moved to Poulsbo, WA in 2010 to be close to her daughter, Janis. There she made many new friends and continued her bridge playing at Poulsbo Senior Center, as well as volunteer work with League of Women Voters.

Bev moved back to Yakima in 2018, to be close to her son, Larry, and near her daughter, Kathy. She settled into, and made genuine friends, at Brookdale Assisted Living. Bev is survived by her sister Elaine Michel (Dan), of Lake Stevens, her son Larry Goodman (Renee), daughters Janis Nixon (David) and Kathy Willett (Randy), grandchildren Caleb, Nathan, Brett, Drew, Shane, Melanie, Cody, Corie, and nine great-grandchildren as well as two nieces, Candis and Kim, a nephew, Danny, and five grandnieces. Bev had a deep passion for life, for family, for adventures. She lived life long and well! She will be eternally loved and missed. A celebration of life will be planned for early fall. Donations can be made to Planned

Parenthood Federation of America.