Virginia Lee Goodrich

April 5, 1944 - March 24, 2022

God gives and God takes. On a spring day in 1944, God gave the world one of his treasures, Virginia (Jenny) Lee Goodrich. Born in the midst of World War II, where endurance and toughness defined a nation and its people, Virginia embodied these very traits. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew she would need and rely on these to get through the tough times and hardships she would face in her life. Virginia grew up on a family farm in Moses Lake, WA. The perfect place for her to discover and embrace her feisty, mischievous tomboy side, which earned her the nickname of Zeke. Whether fishing with her father or playing football with her brothers, Walter and Gerald, she had no problem keeping up with the boys. That must have put a smile on God’s face. While in high school, Virginia met James Goodrich, and they fell in love. Life, however, chose different paths for them. Adulthood came, and this bold and outgoing woman entered it with zest. She did some waitressing, bartending, and even worked as a keypunch operator and bookkeeper for a construction company. In keeping with her true feisty self, Virginia earned the distinction of being one of the few female commercial fisherwomen with her own boat in Garibaldi, Oregon. No, this woman had no problems keeping up with those fishermen. God, no doubt, gave a nod at her gutsiness. Like most women, Virginia married and gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Michelle. God’s face must have shined when he looked upon mother and daughter. Time rolled on and fate intervened, or maybe an angel, and brought Virginia and James back together. They married, and Virginia gained three stepchildren: Jennifer, Justin, and Gregory as well as Ben whom she considered a son. Even God loves a good love story. In her later years, God blessed Virginia with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She grew close to her granddaughter, Jessica, who shared the same middle name as her grandmother. Hmm, perhaps they shared a few giggles over that. God blessed Virginia with a beautiful singing voice and a love of music. A favorite memory of her grandson, Jacob, was waking up in the morning to Grandma Virginia singing and cooking breakfast. What a real treat to wake to beautiful music. Considering the number of standing ovations Virginia received, you know God must have spent hours listening to her sing. Music wasn’t the only gift God gave to his sweet tomboy. Virginia’s love for cooking and baking blended well with her big heart. No one went hungry around her. She ensured everyone she encountered had a meal or one of her baked treats. On the spring morning of March 24, 2022, God sent an angel to escort Virginia back home. This brave and bold woman, who endured so many hardships during her 77 years on earth, now resides peacefully in Jesus’ arms. I wonder if Virginia realized during her struggles that she also taught some valuable lessons on strength and perseverance. What a role model! Though her family grieves and only time will heal the hole left behind in their hearts, they take comfort in knowing that one day they will be reunited with their beloved Virginia, surrounded by the full glory of God. "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away". Rev 21:4