Deanna Goddard

Deanna Louise (Claywell) Goddard

86, of Lawrenceville, IL, formerly a long time resident of Newton County, IN was surrounded by her family as her Heavenly Father called her home on May 19, 2025. Born to Garney and Elsie (David) Claywell on May 5, 1939 in Cook County, IL.  A woman of faith and family, she is resting comfortably in the arms of her Lord and Savior. 

Deanna is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Richard Goddard Sr.; her children Shawn Meyers, Sheri Flick of Lawrenceville, IL, Richard (Melissa) Goddard Jr. of Springfield, MO, Jennifer (Mikel) Shaw of Morocco, IN, and Samantha Goddard of Clemmons, NC; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Garney and Elsie; infant son Tommy, brothers Garney Jr. and Carroll (Peewee), sisters Marcia Piacentini and Beverly Klassen; and son-in-law Scott, beloved husband of daughter Sheri. 

Deanna enjoyed 43 years of loving and nurturing every North Newton student who stepped foot on her school bus. She served as a Girl Scout leader and a 4-H volunteer. She loved attending the sewing circle at the United Methodist Church of Morocco, nurturing her garden, chasing after her grandkids, and attending their extracurricular events. 

Deanna was never happier than when her whole, loud brood was under the same roof. A ferocious card player, we all knew not to anger her during a game for fear of getting smacked or cards thrown in your face. 

Deanna’s life was a testament to God through the family that she raised, loved, nurtured, and taught to stay with God no matter what life would throw at them. As the pillar of her family, the void will be greatly felt, but we intend to carry on her feisty legacy through the ones that she left behind. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday May, 28 from 4-8, with Funeral Services Thursday at 11 AM, all at Sheets Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lowell, IN.  Burial will follow in Lake Village Cemetery. 

sheetsfuneral.com

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