Obituary of Zoe Goodwin

Zoe Berniece (Jones) Goodwin was the third of four children born to Clinton and Bessie (Freeland) Jones, on July 28, 1925 at her home just north of Seibert, Colorado. Zoe attended country school as a young girl. At one time she walked 4 ½ miles to Liberty Country School. She told the story of how her Dad would put her on her horse to ride to school and then the bigger boys would help her off when she got there. Also of how a woman who lived along the way home from school would meet her as she was walking home from school and would have her come in for some tea. When it got time for high school she boarded in Flagler, graduating from Flagler High School in 1943. During her senior year in high school she met her future husband, Francis Goodwin, better known as “Slim”. He was home on leave from the Service, recovering from a broken arm, the result of bucking off a bucking horse at a rodeo. They were engaged in September and on March 6, 1944, were married by the Justice of the Peace in Goodland, Kansas. They lived in Englewood, Colorado until Slim received his “shipping out” orders for overseas. Zoe moved back to Flagler as she was expecting their first child. Sandra was born in 1945 while Slim was still on the ship. Zoe and Sandy divided their time between her folks and Slim’s folks. After Slim returned home from the Service they moved to Eads Livestock Ranch, where Zoe worked as a cook. This was quite an experience for a 20 year old who had done very little cooking on her own. At the ranch she did all the cooking for 8 to 20 men. This probably explains the reason she became such a good cook. In the fall of 1947, they moved to the Baxter Ranch northeast of Flagler where they raised cattle, farmed, and whatever it took to make a living. Zoe always raised a big garden so there was always plenty to do. Their second daughter, Penny, was born in 1949. That spring they remembered as one of the most beautiful they had ever seen. With all the moisture they had received the pastures looked like lawns with lots of wild flowers growing up everywhere. Right after that they had to go through the dirty 50’s. In 1955, the family was thrilled to bring home their new baby, Scott. The dirt was so bad that year that they had to put wet sheets over the windows to keep the dust away from the baby. Through all their years together, raising a family, they shared some very good years and some bad ones, with sick calves, hailed out crops and severe drought, but through it all they worked hard together and always managed to provide a stable and loving home for their children. In 1976, due to Slim’s declining health, they moved from their beloved home, where their family had grown up, into Seibert, Colorado. Living in town was quite an adjustment, but they made many new and wonderful friendships. After 50 years of marriage a reception was held in Slim and Zoe’s honor and this was a very special day in their lives. They enjoyed so much visiting with their friends and family. In 1998, described by Zoe as the worst day of her life, Slim passed away leaving her alone to carry on with life. She was very strong and continued to carry on the business of the farm and taking care of her home in Seibert. She always kept busy with the many interests and hobbies she had. She was an avid seamstress, piecing and hand quilting enough quilts to present to each of her kids and grandkids. Her hands were always busy making different things. One of her favorite pastimes was playing the piano, most of the time playing by ear. She was known as “Piano Grandma” by two of her granddaughters. Zoe will always be remembered as the best cook around. She loved cooking for her family and friends, always making sure she made their favorites. No one ever left her house hungry. She loved making dishes to take to community and church meals, and especially loved the company. It was a wonderful day in Zoe’s life on May 2, 2004 when she was baptized and became a member of the Community of Christ Church. The church and church family became a big part of her life. She was very proud to be a member and looked forward to every Sunday. With the help of her wonderful neighbors, Jerry and June Guy, and her family and friends, Zoe was able to remain in her home until the fall of 2007. Due to declining health, Zoe moved to the Bee Hive Assisted Living in Stratton, Colorado. She settled in and was quite content, making this her new home. She made many new friends and became very close to the people that gave her such wonderful care. It was not unusual for her to entertain the residents and staff by playing the piano from her list of songs. In 2012, again due to declining health, she was transferred to the Good Samaritan in Goodland, Kansas. This would become her final home, and again she made many new friends and became a favorite among the wonderful people who cared for her. Zoe passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritan with her family at her side on January 16, 2013. Zoe was preceded in death by her parents, Clint and Bess Jones, her brother, Roy Dale Jones, and a sister, Anna Marie Smith. She leaves behind her children, Sandra and Carroll Will, Penny and Bill Cowgill, and Scott and Ilene Goodwin and six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She also leaves behind one brother, Lee and Alice Jones, along with a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.