Victoria Jean Goodman

September 19, 1950 – March 15, 2025

Victoria Jean (Stephan) Goodman—known to most as Vicki—lived her 74 years full of life, laughter, a bit of stubbornness, and a whole lot of love. She passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, in Kaneohe, Hawaii, leaving behind a legacy of strong will, deep faith, and unforgettable memories.

Born on September 19, 1950, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Vicki was the daughter of Irma Jean and Robert E. Stephan. She grew up in St. Joseph alongside her brothers Bob Stephan (Barbara), Jim Stephan (Toni), Dan Stephan, and her late brother Tommy Stephan. Family was always at the center of her world—whether it was the family she was born into or the one she built and welcomed into her life over the years.

She eventually made her way to Kansas City, where she raised her three children- Scott Mead (Stacie), Trent Mead (Stacy), and Aubri Mead (Mike). She poured her heart into motherhood, first working as a CNA while her kids were young. Later in life, she fearlessly stepped into a new role alongside her husband Bob Goodman, becoming co-owner of Dirt Man Landscape Supplies. Whether she was running the office or confidently operating a front loader, Vicki met every challenge head-on and showed everyone around her exactly what she was capable of.

When she wasn’t working, you could usually find her in her flower beds—whether at home or at the Dirt Lot—digging, planting, and coaxing beauty from the dirt. Her love of living things extended well beyond plants. Over the years, her home was filled with a menagerie of pets: Piggie, her pot-bellied pig who could do tricks; Pepe, the aggressive peacock who’d been kicked out of his flock but found peace under Vicki’s care; and across the years about a total of 30 cats (thankfully not all at once). She loved them all fiercely, just like she loved her people.

Vicki made the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted and never passed up an opportunity to host family gatherings or impromptu get-togethers. She loved spending time at the Lake with friends and family, and some of her happiest days were out on the boat fishing with Bob.

She was also a passionate supporter of causes close to her heart: the World Wildlife Federation, the Missouri Conservation community, and disabled veterans. Through it all, she remained grounded in her Catholic faith, always believing in the importance of love, family, and taking care of those who needed it—whether they had two legs, four, or feathers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irma Jean and Robert E. Stephan, her brother Tommy Stephan, and her beloved husband, Bob Goodman.

Vicki’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew her, especially her six grandchildren: Layne, Kennedy, Kaden, Grace, Cooper, and Brynn. She was a mother, a sister, a grandmother, a friend, and a force of nature.

Her family will be announcing service details soon.

In honor of Vicki, we encourage you to plant a flower, care for an animal, or simply gather the people you love around your kitchen table—just like she did, time and time again.