Nelda F. DeForest
December 20, 1931 - April 7, 2021

Nelda F (Goodwin) DeForest  Dec. 20, 1931 – Apr. 7, 2021, 89, of New Port Richey, Fl., passed from this life on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at the Marliere Hospice Care Center in New Port Richey.

Nelda was born on Dec. 20, 1931 in Maquon Township, Knox County, Il. to the late Walter and Florence Dikeman. She was the youngest of five children.

She married James M. Goodwin in Yates City on Sept. 17, 1950.

Nelda was a stay-at-home Mother before expanding her opportunity to go to work.  She began a lengthy and successful career working at the Abingdon Argus. She wore a variety of hats while there such  as Customer Service, writing of articles, taking pictures and selling ads.

She also worked as a Manager at General Nutrition Center in Sandburg Mall in Galesburg  for several years.  She left there when her family needed her to do care-giving for her close family members.

Nelda moved down to Florida in 2008 where she lived at the Landings of St. Andrews for six years.

Nelda found great pleasure in her free time following in her Mothers footsteps in becoming an avid quilter. She made many quilts for family and relatives. As she was ending one project she would already be thinking of her next project. She also enjoyed relaxing by working on jigsaw puzzles.

She was preceded  in death by her parents as well as sons, Greggory and Jeffrey Goodwin;  husbands, James M. Goodwin and LaVergne D. DeForest; brothers, Wilson and Harold Dikeman, and sisters, Dorothy Dikeman Cooper and Evelyn Dikeman Loy.

Survivors include: her daughter, Peggy Goodwin Boyer, Florida and her son Thomas Goodwin (and Debra) of Galesburg. She has 6 grand children; Wyatt and Crystal Boyer, Justin Goodwin and Jennifer (Goodwin) Anastasoff, Christopher and Zachary Goodwin; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Nelda will be placed in her final resting place in Yates City, Il.  A celebration of life will be held at a future date to be announced.