Catherine Goddard

    Catherine Goddard was born May 28, 1926, to Mary Agnes (Medinger) Ortner and John Ortner in Holyoke. She died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2017, at Sterling Living Center.
    Catherine attended local schools, including Colorado Women’s College in Denver.
    On June 30, 1948, she married Merrill Goddard of Julesburg. They lived and farmed in Holyoke until retirement. She and Merrill then enjoyed spending winter months in Apache Junction, Arizona. She later resided in Sterling.
    Their family consisted of sons David and Tom and daughters Mary Beth, Marlene and Karen, and Patricia Ann who died in infancy.
    Catherine was a member of the Holyoke Art Guild writers group and garden club and Willing Helpers in earlier years. She was a co-founder of the CALM group in Sterling. That support group since then has spread nationwide.
    Catherine loved the earth and was a conservationist, planting trees, sheltering pheasants and rebuilding the honeybee population.
    Catherine will be missed by her daughters; granddaughter, Anne; grandson, Jared; and great-granddaughter, Olivia.
    The family had a private graveside service.
    Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.