Lois Katherine Goodwin

Lois was born August 28, 1924 to Claude and Kate (Garrett) Whittekiend in Hazelton, ID. She and her sisters were raised in Polson, MT during the Great Depression. They lived on a farm in Valley View and later moved to town.

WWII started in December 1941 and many of her classmates enlisted before graduating. She graduated in May 1942. A few months later she signed up to help build airplanes for the war effort. She was sent to Billings, MT to learn about tools. She was then sent to Seattle to work for Boeings. She worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" and, because she was so small, she was able to fit in the tail section to place rivets. She had some interesting stories about her time in Seattle at that time. After 14 months, she enlisted in the WACS. She worked as a nurses aide in the hospitals. She told sad stories and some funny stories about her patients.

Lois met Duncan Goodwin on a blind date. They were married May 5, 1945 in Colorado Springs, CO. They settled in Chehalis, WA after her release from the WACS in November. There they had their 2 oldest children. They then moved to Seattle where they had 4 more children. They moved into their permanent home in March, 1950 where Lois lived for the next 70 years. After Duncan retired in 1983 from Seattle Transit, they bought a motorhome and traveled around the United States and Canada.

Lois was involved with her children's school and scouting activities. She was also a member of Woodland Park Methodist Church since March, 1950, and was a member of TOPS since 1975 until 2020 when she moved to Everett. She served as an officer in both groups. She made many quilts for which her family and friends benefited. She belonged to a quilting group through the church. They made many quilts for the Atlantic Street Center for Children at Risk. Lois loved photography and had set up her own dark room in her basement. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She loved reading but later developed macular degeneration and. she wasn't able to read anymore.

Lois was sweet, kind, and a positive person. She couldn't see the point of being grumpy or unpleasant. She was inquisitive and loved meeting new people. She had a smile for everyone. She was strong. She weathered sorrows during her lifetime and was still able to smile.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Reathel, Ayleen and Shirley and her husband, Duncan, and her son, Claude. She is survived by her children: Kathy (Greg) Plessas, Carolyn (Keith) Menges, Steve Goodwin, Anita Goodwin, Anne Peacock, grandchildren: Brian Plessas, Jason Plessas, Rick (Julie) Hewett, Brian (Janet) Menges, 8 great grandchildren, sister, Cleo Webb and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Swedish Medical Center in Issaquah for the kind and loving care of Lois during her time there. The hospice team was exceptional, especially Pastor Leah, Dhara, and Matt. They made Lois' journey into death peaceful and pain free. Their efforts were much appreciated.

The family would also like to thank Bethany @ Silver Crest. The staff there are so caring and took such good care of Lois for the 5+ years that she lived there. Lois will be missed by many family and friends.

Donations may be made to your favorite charity.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10:00 am -3:00 pm at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home.

Private Burial will be Monday April 6 at Abbey View Cemetery.

Memorial Services to be announced at a later date.