Barbara Jean Goodenough

Barbara Jean Goodenough passed away March 20, 2024. She was 81 years old. Barb was born in Dayton, OH. She graduated Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio in 1960 and from St Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing in Dayton, OH in 1963.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents Dillard and Genevieve Sexton and her sister Mary Ann Petkwitz. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dr. Roger R. Goodenough, daughter Kristine L. (Goodenough) Diehl (Heather), son William “Brad” Goodenough (Wendy), her grandchildren, Katherine E. Diehl, Matthew D. Diehl, Jacquelyn “Olivia” Goodenough (Ryan) and Nicholas A. Goodenough, her sister Lou Rinda Hill, several nieces and nephews and many special friends.

Barbara was an amazing mother and grandmother, and her grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved to celebrate birthdays and holidays and always made sure every detail was perfect. She was an avid shopper and an amazing gift giver. No one hosted a holiday or a party like Barb. She loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful family vacations and trips with friends during her life. Barb had an amazing sense of style and a great sense of adventure. She was always the classiest, the prettiest, and the best dressed lady in the room.

Her nursing career spanned over 40 years, the majority of which she spent working alongside her favorite doctor (Roger) caring for generations of patients.

Barb was a friend to all animals and actively contributed to many animal rescue organizations. She loved horses and was instrumental in starting Willowbrook Arabians. She spent many years tending to her horses and traveling with her family to horse shows. She also loved dogs. She saved several dogs in her lifetime and gave them wonderful lives. While she loved all her dogs, Boomer and Callahan held special places in her heart.

Barb lived a life worth celebrating. She always took the trip, and she always ate the cake. Barb’s family invites you to celebrate her life on Sunday April 14, 2024, from 2:00-5:00pm at Baird Funeral Home in Troy. To celebrate her life as she lived it; vibrant and joyous, the family asks that you bring a smile and a good story and that you dress in light and colorful attire.