Loretta Dee Ann (Cole) Goodson

Loretta Dee Ann Goodson, 82, of Arkansas City, KS passed away July 4th, 2023, at Homestead of Crestview in Wichita, KS.

 Dee Ann was born on December 9, 1940 in Ponca City, OK to parents Floyd Lee and Helen Katherine (Simpkins) Cole. She grew up on the family farm with her two brothers Sonny and Benny Cole. She graduated from Newkirk High School in 1958 and on June 17, 1961 was united in marriage to the love of her life, Jerry Goodson, at the St. Francis Catholic Church in Newkirk. They made their home in Ark City, Kansas and were married for 53 years.

Dee Ann started her working career at Southwestern Bell, then went to Rodeo Meats in Ark City. She also worked at Binney and Smith in Winfield while working on an associate degree from Cowley County Community College. She then went on to receive a bachelors degree from Southwestern University in Education and eventually a masters from Emporia University in education. She worked with kids with behavior disorders at the middle school level for over 20 years in both Wichita and Ponca City.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Altar Society and the Sacred Heart Choir. After retirement she was a part of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary Club at the South Central Kansas Medical Center. Dee Ann enjoyed camping and boating on the weekends. After the family built a swimming pool, she loved hosting family and friends at the pool. She liked traveling abroad. One of her most memorable trips was when she joined her husband in Australia while he was working. Dee Ann also liked golfing with friends, especially the Loma Linda golf group. Many fun memories were made with that group in Missouri.

She was also an avid sports fan with her favorite teams being the Chicago Cubs, Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs. Most of all she enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren, supporting them any way she could. You could always find her in the stands cheering them on. She will be missed greatly.

Surviving to honor her memory are her sons: William “Bill” Goodson of Kansas City, MO and Chad Goodson and wife Sara of Derby, KS; her 5 grandchildren: Rylee Goodson, Tegan Goodson, Conner Goodson, Kylar Goodson and Connor Boothe. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, July 10, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arkansas City, the rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM prior to the mass. Private graveside services will follow at Riverview Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, donations may be left in the care of the funeral home.