Carolyn E. Goetz

As a beautiful sunset graced the horizon on Saturday evening, February 28, a loving soul entered the kingdom of Heaven. Surrounded by her beloved family at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Carolyn Elaine (Ralls) Goetz went home to be with the Lord after a sudden and very unexpected stroke.

She was welcomed into this world on August 8, 1944 in Wilbur by her father, James Harris Ralls and her mother, Bessie Beatrice (Biggs) Ralls. As the oldest of three children, she enjoyed their time growing up in the community of Wilson Creek, where she went to school for all 12 years, graduating in 1962. Following her graduation, she attended business school in Tacoma for a year, before meeting and marrying Dick Ford. Into this union was born their daughter, Julie Irene, and their son, William Richard. After his death, she was set up on a blind date with a single father who lived in Moses Lake, who just happened to be a young man she remembered from her growing-up years. Soon after their first date, she married Les Goetz, and with their marriage, gained two more beloved children, Carrie Jo and Darin Boyd. Their family was complete in 1975 with the birth of their fifth child, Kevin Jacob.

Les and Carolyn began their farming life together in 1973, when they moved to the Goetz ranch north of Marlin. In 1979, they moved to their current home and farm, where they faithfully worked the land and supported each other for 36 years. Carolyn loved her life as a devoted farm wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was an avid supporter of anything that supported the communities of Wilson Creek, Marlin, Odessa and more recently Coulee City. She loved canning, gardening, long phone conversations with loved ones, taking “road trips” with Les, outings with her “girls,” spending time at all athletic events of her children, then grandchildren, and watching sunsets out her kitchen window. She was often known for generously spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and made friends everywhere she went. She leaves this world with many, many treasured friends whom she delighted in spending time with. We will lovingly remember her for her devotion to her entire family and friends, her loving presence, hugs and conversations, her social kindness, and her genuine care and compassion for everyone who came alongside her in this life.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Les, her sister Linda and her husband, Jim Clough of Lewisville, Texas, sister and brother-in-law Martha and Dick Selander of Seattle, her daughters Carrie and Julie, sons Darin, William and Kevin, 10 adored grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, an abundance of nieces, nephews and cousins, and more friends than are possible to count. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bessie Ralls, and her brother, Edward.

Because of the love Carolyn had for people, the family has suggested that memorials be made to either the Odessa Memorial Healthcare Foundation or the Carolyn Goetz Memorial Scholarship Fund. Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Church with Pastor Allen Fox, officiating. Please sign the online guestbook at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, is caring for the family.