Virginia B. Goodell's Obituary
Virginia B. (née Black) Goodell passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at the age of 102. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank H. Goodell and devoted mother to Keith (Anne), Jay (Barb), and Bruce (Sherry).
She is survived by her siblings Gordon and Peg (Tilley) Black, and was preceded in passing by her siblings Robert and Kathryn Black, Jeanne (Black) and Stan Cherry, James and Louise (Moore) Black, Ruth (Black) and Don Haney, and Paul and Betty (Jackson) Black. She also leaves behind her loving grandchildren: Steven Goodell, Lisa Goodell and Fran de la Mota, Nathan and Rebecca (Lacan) Goodell, Rachel (Goodell) and Saif Rahman, Joe and Sherri Goodell, and Reba Goodell; step-grandchildren: Melissa Russell Philips, Lauren and Sam Handel, and John and Ann D'Ambruoso; great-grandchildren: Arthur Goodell, Virginia and Daniel de la Mota, Ryan, Evan, and Natalie Goodell, and Meghna Rahman; and step-great-grandchildren: Orson and Wild Handel, and Virgil and Alma D'Ambruoso.
Born on December 30, 1922, in Shalersville, Ohio, Virginia graduated from Shalersville High School in 1940 and earned her degree in home economics from Kent State University in 1944, shortly before marrying Frank, the love of her life, on June 24, 1944.
Together, Virginia and Frank were the 5th generation to operate Goodell Farms where they sold potatoes, milk and maple syrup. They sold maple syrup and products at the Randolph Fair, Mantua Potato Festival, community events, farmers markets and the annual Shalersville pancake breakfasts. A dedicated community servant, Virginia was among the first women to join the Rotary Club and traveled internationally with Frank through the organization, including a memorable elephant ride during one of their conferences. She also helped launch the Mantua Christmas Tours by opening their historic home to visitors. She was very active in the Mantua Potato Festival committees.
Virginia and Frank embraced cultural exchange, hosting a Polish farmer and later befriending a German farming couple through the Farmer to Farmer Exchange-friendships that lasted decades. In the early 1980s she earned a master's degree from the University of Akron, coauthored "See How They Grow," which is a home economics book and taught home economics and life skills at Crestwood High School. For many years, she and Frank generously opened their home to foreign exchange students, forming meaningful connections that endured well beyond their visits.
In retirement, Virginia volunteered at the Ravenna hospital, remained active in Rotary and the Mantua Village Garden Club, wrote the "Around Mantua" column for the Record Courier, and organized the popular "Ginny's Jaunts" day trips. She and Frank raised their family on the Goodell Farm on Peck Road, where Virginia continued to live independently for many years. She also loved to crochet, creating countless handmade items for family, friends, and community members, a passion she enjoyed throughout her life.
A gifted lifelong musician, Virginia began piano lessons as a young girl and later served as choir director at Portage Faith United Methodist Church, where she remained very active throughout her life. For many years she taught piano lessons and accompanied many Crestwood band students at Solo and Ensemble contest. Even in her later years, she continued to play music with ease. In December 2023, her family and community celebrated her 100th birthday, the same day the church dedicated its Fellowship Hall to the Goodell Family.
Known for her warmth, humor, and perseverance, she often advised, "Don't ever give up on life." Virginia lived with curiosity, kindness, service, and deep love-leaving a legacy cherished by all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Portage Faith United Methodist Church at 9922 State Route 44, Mantua, OH 44255.
Family and friends may gather on December 12 from 3:00pm-7:00 p.m. at Green Funeral Care, 4668 Pioneer Trail, Mantua, Ohio. A funeral service will be held on December 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Portage Faith United Methodist Church, 9922 State Route 44, Mantua, OH 44255. An additional hour of gathering will take place at Portage Faith United Methodist from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service.
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