Obituary of Goldie Small

Goldie Ann Small passed away peacefully with family at her side, on November 4, 2008. She was born on March 3, 1909 in Alex, Arkansas, to Minnie Morris and Samuel Stutchman. Goldie lived an inspirational ninety-nine years and eight months, sharing her smile and positive attitude with all who crossed her path. In 1913, her family began their migration west in a covered wagon. They settled in Modesto, California in 1919. In 1927, the family moved to the mill town of Westwood, California. She worked as a telephone operator. It was here that Goldie met Herb Small. They were married in Reno, Nevada on September 13, 1930. In Westwood she raised two sons and taught Sunday school at the People's Church. She was honored as Deputy Grand Matron of Eastern Star in 1950. At age forty-five, Goldie started back to school at Lassen Junior College in Susanville. In 1956, the mill at Westwood closed and Goldie and Herb moved to Chico, California, where she continued her education. Herb passed away, and at age forty-nine, Goldie graduated from Chico State and began teaching. She was a respected and devoted teacher to her students in Dixon, California, retiring in 1974. Goldie returned to Modesto, spending time with her sisters and brother, growing an incredible garden and canning enormous amounts of food. She loved to travel, and made memorable trips to Hawaii, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2001 Goldie moved back to Chico to be closer to family. She had an apartment at Sycamore Glen Retirement Center, made new friends, learned to use a computer, created crafts, exercised and won many a bingo game. She was proud to help in the 'Hospitality' role, and was known for her smiling disposition, poise, incredible memory, and signature red hair. She was a positive role model for all who knew her. Her enthusiasm for life, good humor, strong values and love shaped her growing family, forever her legacy. Goldie will be sorely missed by her sons, Garry and wife Jackie Small, and Lloyd Small. She was a wonderful mentor to grandchildren, Kari and husband Bert Mais, Julie Small, Lynn Small, Scott Jensen, Robert and wife Keli Spencer, Suzanne and husband James Passama, and Kevin and wife Krissy Small. Great- grandchildren held Goldie's adoration. They include Keaton and Tyler, Anthony and Alyssa, Ava, Shawna, Dominique, and Aurielle. A special angel, Willow, preceded her in death. In addition to sister-in-law, Daisy McCoy, there are many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and caregivers who held a special place in Goldie's heart. Her eight brothers and sisters preceded her in death. In Goldie's spirit of giving, her family requests that donations be made to the Enloe Foundation or to your favorite charity. To quote Goldie, "Don't worry". A Remembrance will be held at Sycamore Glen, her happy home of seven years, on Friday, November 28 at 2:00 p.m.