Virginia Ridings

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Virginia Goodin Ridings, 93, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, in Charleston.

Virginia Elizabeth Whitehead, daughter of Irvin Lester Whitehead and Nancy Susan Stroud Whitehead, was born March 31, 1915.

Shortly after Virginia's birth her family moved from her birthplace at Alfalfa Center to Charleston, where she attended Eugene Field School and Charleston High School.

Following high school graduation in 1933, Virginia moved with her parents to Adams, Tenn., where she lived until she married Albert Vernon Goodin on Sept. 24, 1936. At that time Vernon brought Virginia back to his home in rural Charleston on Fish Lake Road.

Virginia and Vernon were the proud parents of sons Albert V. Goodin, John W.L. Goodin, Lester W. Goodin and R.E. Lee Goodin.

The Goodin family moved their home to 515 N. Main St. in Charleston shortly after Lee's birth in 1952. Virginia loved her family and friends; she especially enjoyed entertaining and she always welcomed the opportunity to share her hospitality with guests to her home.

Virginia was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church and volunteered her time and talents to church activities whenever possible. Virginia also served as a local Cub Scout leader. An avid gardener, Virginia was especially fond of her years as a Molly French Garden Club member. She was also a member of Junior Study Club and a member of PEO Chapter CV 61 years.

Vernon Goodin preceded Virginia in death in 1971, when he was the victim of a tragic farm accident. A few years later Virginia became reacquainted with childhood friend John D. Ridings, originally of Adams, and they were married May 24, 1975. Virginia and John D. divided their time between Cashiers, N.C., and Charleston until John D.'s death in 1998.

Virginia is survived by her sons and their wives, Albert and Gladys Jane Goodin, John and Clyda Sue Goodin, Lee and Sallie Goodin of Charleston, and Lester and Janet Goodin of Cape Girardeau.

She is also survived by grandsons, Al V. Goodin and J.W. Lindsay Goodin and wife Monica of Charleston, Harry Finley Goodin and wife Ann of Fishers, Ind.; Tristan Oliver Goodin of Marietta, Ga.; Dee Lester Goodin of Cape Girardeau; Tim Pickett and wife Kim of Cape Girardeau, and Matthew Cargle of Great Cacapon, W.Va.

Surviving granddaughters are Margaret Elizabeth Goodin and Virginia Grace Estelle Goodin of University City, Mo., Charlotte Steger Goodin Matthews and husband Brian of Cape Girardeau, Lee-Stroud Goodin of Ridgecrest, Calif., and Julie Pickett Albertson of Cape Girardeau.

Surviving great-grandsons are Finley Goodin of Fishers, Dearmont Vernon Goodin of Charleston, Jackson David Matthews and T.J. and Nate Albertson of Cape Girardeau. Surviving great-granddaughters are Scarlett, Gretta and Isabella Goodin of Charleston, Emmalyn Goodin of Fishers, Emma and Winnie Pickett and Anna Albertson of Cape Girardeau.

In 2002, great-grandson Andrew Kerr Goodin preceded Virginia in death.

Visitation will be at 3 p.m. today at Charleston United Methodist Church.

The funeral will be at 4 p.m. today at the church, with the Rev. Dan Faust officiating. Interment will be in IOOF Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Al, Harry, Lindsay, Tristan and Dee Lester Goodin and Brian Matthews.

McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Charleston United Methodist Church, 1700 E. Marshall St., Charleston, Mo. 63834.