Elaine J. Goodman

Lenna Elaine Jackson Goodman, known as Elaine J. Goodman, surrounded by her loving family, passed away from Alzheimer’s on March 3, 2022.
Elaine was born to Nellie Foutz and Cyrus Rodwell Jackson on July 8,1935 in Pinedale, Arizona.  Elaine cherished her childhood in Pinedale.  She attended Snowflake High School resulting in an academic scholarship to the University of Arizona. The first week of college she met the love of her life, Gerald Neil Goodman at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Institute of Religion. Just one glance from Elaine caused Gerry to give up his ping pong paddle and pursue her until they were married at the Mesa Arizona Temple on July 3, 1953. So began a lifetime of selfless service that blessed children, grandchildren, family, neighbors, and youth.
Elaine deftly timed jumping out of a truck with no brakes on her daily drive to the telephone company as she put Gerry through the remaining years at U of A. During Gerry’s time at the University of Utah School of Medicine, they lived in a basement apartment that they could only afford as long as they shoveled the walks. Elaine frequently wakened to the tap of Gerry on the basement window, “Elaine it snowed!”
Military payback sent them to Texas, California, Alaska, and Arizona. Gerry accepted a surgery position in Salt Lake City where they finally settled with their nine children. Elaine was a perfect surgeon’s wife. She never planned on anything, drove herself to more than one birth, and packed endless sack lunches for those heading to the ski resorts. She even shuttled the scouts to most outings, going as far as Arizona and on to Mexico, so Gerry could get in an extra day of work before catching a quick flight. A mechanic, plumber, electrician, painter, and decorator, she could complete any home repair—all without YouTube!
A voracious reader, Elaine scoured three newspapers a day. The annual Christmas Letter best demonstrated her quick wit, sarcasm, and unmatched story telling.
Elaine’s greatest joy was spending time with her family at Bear Lake, Lake Powell, and her Silver Creek Cabin. Friends were always welcome on family trips and in her home. She never complained about the endless cooking and cleaning. She loved watching her 29 grandchildren water ski, cliff jump, snowmobile, ride ATV’s, play dress up, solve puzzles, and devour Papa’s famous tacos.
In their later years, Elaine and Gerry served a medical mission in the Northeast United States for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They loved the great friends they met and people they served.
Elaine had a particularly special relationship with her sisters. She spent late nights doing laundry while talking to her sisters on the telephone. They were frequently heard laughing until they cried. The mention of their names and recounting of familiar stories, brought moments of recognition, a chuckle and smile, despite the progression of Alzheimer’s. The staff at the care center soon learned to love her spunky spirit as well; particularly when she would shoo them outside.
Elaine is survived by her children Rodney Goodman, Kevin (Jennifer) Goodman, Brenda (Brad) Eichers, Craig Goodman, Karen (Robert) Crofts, Carrie (Brett) Stephens, Susan (Eb) Rose, Cynthia (Jeremy) Grant, 29 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Elaine is also survived by one sister, Jackie Shumway, and two brothers, Doug Jackson and Larry Jackson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerry, and daughter, Amy; her daughter in law, Kristen; four siblings and her parents.
The family expresses their gratitude to Cynthia and Jeremy Grant, who cared for and loved Elaine in their home. The family also wishes to thank the staff of The Auberge for providing care and comfort to Elaine during the twilight of her life.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 4407 S. Fortuna Way with visitation Saturday 9:30 -10:45 AM and interment to follow at Memorial Holladay Cemetery, 4900 S. Memory Lane (2000 E).
To view the services remotely, please use the following: https://zoom/us/j/8015660221
Service Information
Viewing March 12, 2022 at 9:30-10:45 AM
4407 South Fortuna Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124





Funeral Service
March 12, 2022 at 11:00 AM
4407 South Fortuna Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124