Jeannine Goodrich

(From Parker Mortuary)

Jeannine Gehrs Goodrich, a 60 year old Citizen of the World, passed away last week, leaving behind a legacy of love and joy. Jeannine was born in Joplin on December 14, 1960 to Bud and Bette Jo Gehrs of Joplin.

Mourning and surviving Jeannine are her father, Bud Gehrs, her daughter, Rachael Goodrich, her two sisters and their partners, a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and an extensive network of friends from throughout her life and across the globe.

Jeannine was a fun-loving, generous soul who left a lasting impression on all that met her. After graduating from The University of Kansas and gaining her Master of Business Administration from Washburn University, Jeannine devoted her professional life to helping foster the growth of nonprofits and commercial manufacturing businesses local to the Midwest.

Jeannine was a devoted daughter, aunt, and friend, but truly as a mother, there has never been a mother who loved her daughter as much as Jeannine. All who knew Jeannine loved her unendingly positive attitude, her zest for making everything in life beautiful, and her ability to take a hard situation and either find the hilarity in it, or help hatch a plan to fix it. As described by a dear member of Jeannine’s family, she always had the ability to “bring more color to life”.

Jeannine described herself as “HI,” which stood for “Happily Independent”, and that’s exactly what she was- a joy filled woman with an independent and adventurous spirit. She loved to travel, absorb new cultures, and above all spread her infectious love of life- her giggle is famous!

Jeannine will be missed by all who knew her and would have wanted all who remain to celebrate her life, raise a cocktail in her honor, and just BE HAPPY!

In lieu of a funeral, a Celebration of Life for Jeannine will be held at her father’s home on Saturday, April 17, beginning at 4pm. The family requests a donation be made in Jeannine’s name to Children’s Haven in Joplin, MO; an organization that Jeannine was instrumental in establishing.