Obit: Goodman, Eva A (1861 - 1923)

Contact: Shari (Volovsek) Hahn

 E-mail: Shari@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

 Surnames: Goodman, Wright, Broderick, Averill

 Source: Townsend Star, Feb 15, 1923 (Townsend, MT), Pg 7

Goodman, Eva A (Aug 25, 1861 - ?? 1923)

 In Memorium

We the committee on Memorium and Condolence beg to submit the following, on the sudden demise of our most honored sister, Eve Goodman, and it is with a sense of deep sadness and personal loss that we will look in vain for her wise words of counsel and to see her sweet familiar face in the Lodge Room. To know her was to love her. She has passed on to the spiritual world and walketh in newness of Life.

Eva A. Goodman was born in Lansing, Iowa August 25^th, 1861. But when five years old her parents moved to Neillsville, Wisconsin. She received her education in Trempealeau, Wisconsin, after which she became a teacher, teaching in Wisconsin until 1885 when she came to Montana where she taught until she was married to E.H. Goodman in 1888, and settled in Townsend.

She was a charter member of Orpha Lodge No. 36 and its first Noble Grand. Was a delegate to the Assembly …. And appointed Marshal the same year. Elected Assembly secretary in 1902, serving in this capacity until 1906 when she became the Assembly Warden. This was an instance where it would be said that the office sought the person for was elected by unanimous vote and many wore the expressions of satisfaction upon the selection. She became President in 1908. During her year’s work in this office, she gave to her work a recognized momentum toward the higher ideals of life.

In 1916 she was chosen as the state representative to the Association of Rebekah Assemblies which position, she held two years and in 1918 she was appointed Inside Guardian of the National organization. Practically all of the laws governing Rebekah Odd Fellowship in Montana were compiled under the supervision of Sister Goodman.

All branches of the order appealed to her and in 1916 in Miles City, she was initiated into the Ladies Auxiliary of the Patriarch Militants, the degree being conferred by the Billings Fortress, February 19^th, 1921 she transferred her membership to Helena Fortress No. 2.

To Brother Goodman and daughter, we scarce know what to say. Our hands are too clumsy to touch so great a sorrow. We cannot find words suitable to utter. We therefore, pray that God will heal and comfort them while they wait and wonder, we will repeat for them these sweet prophetic lines:

“Not now but in the coming years, it maybe in a better land,

We’ll read the meaning of our tears,

And then, sometime we’ll understand”

“Then trust in God through all thy days,

Fear not for he doth hold thy hand;

Tho’ dark the way, still sing and praise,

Sometime, somewhere, we’ll understand.”

Respectfully submitted in Friendship, Love and Truth,

Susie Wright

Etta Broderick

Nellie Averill