- Date Of Birth: September 29, 1922
- Date Of Death: November 26, 2008
- State: Idaho
Vera Laverne Goodin, 86, passed on November 26, 2008 in Meridian, Idaho. She was born on September 29, 1922 to Wilbur and Annetta Goodin in Bancroft, Idaho. She spent her childhood with her large family in Bancroft, Mayfield, Nampa and Boise. She married Robert Dotson on June 12, 1941. They had six children, living in Boise most of their married life, and were later divorced.
Vera had numerous jobs to help support her family, including managing cafes at Bench Commission Auction and Westgate Bowling Alley. She helped plant the first re-growth of pines at Lucky Peak Nursery, and worked at Cal’s Auto Parts and an optical shop. She did the majority of the work in building three homes for her family and herself over the years. She was very intelligent and had a sense of logic that allowed her to learn any skill she needed, which she passed on to her children, allowing them to succeed in their own lives. She was a lifelong caregiver, caring for her invalid mother-in-law for many years while raising her children, and when she was blessed with grandchildren, she regularly cared for many of them. She was a true hero when she resuscitated on of her young granddaughters and saved her from drowning. We think of Mom as a heroic woman in many other ways; her life was a challenge, but through her courage, determination, stubbornness and love, she managed to raise six children, giving much of herself to others at the same time. Her actions spoke louder than words, and she was always there to support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We are in awe of this amazing woman, and will always be grateful knowing how she loved us all.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents; her ex-husband; four sisters; three brothers; and her granddaughter, Kelli Russell. She is survived by her children, Linda Nicks and husband, Larry, Sharon Farnham and husband, Jim, Roberta (Bobbi) Layne, Ilene Leasure and husband Larry, Irene Fisher, and Daniel Dotson and wife, Linda; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandson. She is also survived by two sisters, Thelma George and Elsie Rone; sisters-in-law, Ruby Goodin and Berniece Goodin; and many nieces and nephews. Mom, how you “lived your dash” speaks for itself. We know you are blessed and are with the angels.
