Joanne Louise Goodrich

Joanne Louise Mayo Goodrich was born 1/2 mile east of Andrix, CO on July 23, 1939 to Buddy Lavearl and Anna Eileen (Mayfield) Mayo. She departed this life at the age of 81 on June5, 2021 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta, CO. Joanne lost her mother in 1944. She spent a lot of time with Aunt Ora Buzzard and neighbor, Grandma Helen
Lowry. These women taught her how to cook, sew, iron, ranch and most importantly taught her strength of character, perseverance, and love.

She lived most of her life within a five mile radius of where she grew up. She attended Shadel
School and often rode in a small box under a quilt on the back of her dad’s tractor to get to and from school. She later attended Kim School and would ride on the school bus with Dewey and Lon Dale Lowry. She stayed the week with Uncle Harvey and Aunt Pearl Mayo, and then returned to the ranch on the weekends. She graduated as Salutatorian in 1957.

For graduation, her daddy gave her five hereford heifers to add to the three she already owned. She married Leland Goodrich October 5, 1957. They purchased Joanne’s Grandfather Mayo’s Place that had been in the family since 1920. Leland and Joanne purchased a combine to begin custom harvesting in 1958. Joanne supported Leland in his love of farming and went on harvest for 42 years. In the late 1970’s their girls finally convinced dad to buy Goodrich and Daughters Custom Harvesting signs since they were driving the combines. Joanne drove combines during corn harvest, until all the girls were in school full time. When Leland passed away in February 2018, Joanne stated: “We should have listened a little more to him about the farming”.

Joanne loved ranching. She built up their herd of red angus cows and was happy caring for
them; driving her feed route, tagging baby calves, checking water, taking care of the ranch. She always had a pair of pliers, hammer, gloves and baling wire in every pickup. Joanne always had a meal on the table within a moment’s notice, even on days of branding and breakdowns. She did more than what was expected of a Homemaker, Rancher, Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.

Joanne served the Kim Community. She was a member of Kim School Community Association and served 3 years as President. She started the Kim School Newsletter, helped with school parties and made numerous desserts for the concession stands. She had everything when someone needed it; an extra spatula, pie server, safety pin, tape. She was a planner. She served 30 years as the Kim Alumni Association secretary. She was a member of the Southern Colorado Livestock Association and most recently was honored as Cattlewoman of the Year 2020. She was in the bowling league from 1977 until 2019 when her health no longer allowed her to hold a ball.

Her health issues created a different life as she received dialysis treatments three times a week. She commented, “It sure makes me feel like an old horse that’s been put out to pasture.”

Though challenging, she grew to love her new Fresenius Kidney Care Family in La Junta and was so thankful for their wonderful care.

Joanne is survived by daughters, Dianne Clark (Cody) of Karval, CO; Denise Goodrich & Dick Gerber of Pritchett of Two Buttes, CO; Lea McAvoy (Shawn) of Aurora, CO and Lynda Goodrich (Karl Walk) of Leoti, KS; brother, Buddy (Kathy) Mayo of Garden City, KS; brother-in-law, John Doherty of Kim, CO; seven grandchildren, Jamie & Ryan Clark, Amanda Clark & Eric Stum, Ashley & Shaun Leonard, Christopher & Allison Day, Beth Morlan & John Mercer, Casey & Kree Day, Clayton & Reagan Morlan; ten great-grandchildren, Emma & Eli Clark, Kyler, Konner & Brynlee Stum, Wyatt, Paisley & Maysa Leonard and Kinsley & Caylin Day. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Leland Goodrich; son, Terry Mark Goodrich; parents, Bud & Anna Eileen Mayo; stepmother, Opal Mayo; infant nephew; and sister, Carolyn Doherty.

Visitation will be Friday, June 11, 2021 at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta, Colorado from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kim School Gymnasium in Kim, CO. Interment will follow at the Kim Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the following; Kim Cemetery, Kim Fire Department,
Southern Colorado Livestock Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.