Nedra Goodman

Nedra Goodman, our cherished aunt and sister, passed away December 4, 2024, at the age of 85. For twenty long years, Nedra bravely endured a muscular degenerative disease, Ataxia. It was a joyous day in heaven and on earth as we pictured Nedra dancing the twist with her huge beautiful smile and sparkling eyes.

Nedra’s generosity, passion, and spunk knew no bounds. She was a happy, kind, loving, and beautiful soul who was always ready to help anyone in need. As her body became more confined, she consistently showed gratitude and love for all who came to visit and serve her. We are grateful for the life lessons Nedra taught us.

Nedra was born in Tucson, AZ on February 23, 1939, fifty-miles from her family’s small town of St. David. She came into the world with a brilliant smile and a love for people. In first grade, Nedra and her mother invited a few friends to her birthday. The big day arrived and the guests did too—everyone except Nedra. The guests waited and waited. A few blocks away, Nedra had rounded up most of the kids at school to join in the fun. Soon, her surprised mother and guests saw Nedra leading a sizable flock of children. With glee, they spilled off the sidewalk and onto the street toward her party! Nedra was a friend to everyone.

Nedra participated in several parades each year as a member of her high school marching group. She danced in high school plays, and off the stage whenever she could. In one performance she was dressed as a chicken. One evening, her sister, Peggy, looked out the window to see Nedra dancing her heart out on the driveway—dressed like a chicken head to toe—and having a ball!

Nedra graduated from Mesa High School and attended Dixie College. After college, she stayed in the Salt Lake area working in the administrative offices of Kennecott Copper, Blue Cross, and JC Penney. She was a hard worker, often working nights and double shifts.

Nedra was our hip aunt and we adored being around her. She made us feel like we were her good friends. Some of our best childhood memories are of weekends she hosted with our cousins. She taught most of her nieces and nephews the twist, the bunny hop, or the latest dance craze.

Nedra had a natural artistic flair that spilled over into everything she touched. Her spaces were enchanting. Her fashion was bold. Nedra gave us her shoes (until the dreaded day our feet surpassed her petite size six). We proudly wore her beautiful hand-me-down dresses for dances and special events.

As children we looked to Nedra for fun and excitement. As adults, we’ve looked to her as a teacher of faithful endurance. Thank you, Nedra, for the beautiful life lessons you taught us. Oh kid, we’re gonna miss you!

Nedra was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa Ellen Naegle and Joseph Edwin Goodman, her siblings: Afton, MaryLou, Margie, and Joe Jr., along with her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Don Robinson, Lamar Jones, and Ann Goodman, and her niece and nephews: Marla Jones, Jimmy Brown, and Ed Robinson.

Nedra is survived by her siblings: Peggy Goodman and John Goodman, her nieces and nephews: Rosilene, Don, John, Joe, Julie and Matt Robinson, Bobby, Debbie, and Tom Brown, Trudy, Leslie, Jill, Kristi, and Joe, III Goodman, Jaynel, Carolyn, Rosann, Lorin, and Edna Jones, Scott, Lynn, Dale, Charles John, and Karen Goodman, and 103 great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held on December 13 at 11:30 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106. A family lunch will follow.