Mary Ellen Goodenberger

Mary Ellen Goodenberger

Aug. 4, 1923 -- Nov. 6, 2013

TRENTON, Nebraska -- Mary Ellen went to join her beloved Marvin E. on Nov. 6, 2013. He had waited long enough and called her to him. She left from her own room, surrounded by her rogue's gallery of pictures, on the farmstead that had been their home from 1954.

Mary Ellen was born to George A. and Ida M. (Stewart) Marshall on Aug. 4, 1923. She had an older brother, George S. Marshall, who predeceased her in 1999. She married the love of her life, Marvin E Goodenberger, on Aug. 9, 1947. They were blessed with three children -- Daniel, Beverly and Marshall. They were partners in life until his passing on March 29, 1999.

A life-long educator (she began teaching when she was 16), Mary Ellen had a wide variety of interests. She and her "gypsy" farmer husband traveled extensively -- with their children while still at home and later as a duo. After later trips, they always brought home tales of their adventures and the wonderful people they had met. They also were able to be at the first Christmas of each grandchild.

Education was key and Mary Ellen continued her education until she received her doctorate in English in 1974. How many people can be in college at the same time as her children? She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for over 50 years. She was active in Shrine with Marvin E. A natural storyteller, she was part of the Buffalo Commons Storytelling, always wearing her bib overalls. Because she met Marvin E. at McCook College, being a part of the McCook Community College Foundation was important to her. She penned two books -- "Ida May's Real People" and "Letters for the Literate" and was an inveterate letter writer.

After Marv's passing, she became more actively involved in farming again -- deciding that we needed cattle to grace our pastures. The "boys and girls" were on the home place each year from spring until early winter when the ladies would go to Marshall's for maternity leave. She so enjoyed when the mamas and babies returned to the home place in the spring. She was blessed with good neighbors and friends that were always available to help. Without the love and care that was provided by her "adopted" daughter, Linda Martin, we would not have been able to continue her care at home -- she has been a part of the family for the last five years.

Most of all, family was paramount. As she would say, "Love you all there is." She and Marvin did the circuit in visiting all their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children -- Dan Goodenberger, Bev Goodenberger, Marshall Goodenberger (Ellen Halmes); grandchildren -- Jamie (Roudy) Williams, Mary (Eric) Myers, Grace (Jody) Sams, James Goodenberger, Martin (Brynn) Goodenberger, Katie Goodenberger, Laura Goodenberger; and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, brother and spouse.

Memorials may be given to the EMS of Stratton or Trenton, the Delta Kappa Gamma scholarship or the McCook Community College Foundation.

There will not be a public visitation. The casket will be open at the service. Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences to the family.

Services will be held at the Stratton Methodist Church on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Stratton with Rev. Sheila Taylor officiating. Interment will be at the Trenton Cemetery following the service.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.