Vera Oliver

Vera Frances Oliver, 94, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died February 13, 2013 in Gothenburg, NE.

She was born August 26, 1918 in Tryon, NE, daughter of Charles A and Lena Belle (Parkhurst) Daly.

She grew up in McPherson County, NE and graduated from McPherson County High School in 1934. She taught elementary school in rural McPherson county until her marriage to Chancy A Goodwin in 1936. Vera was married to Chancy Goodwin Sr. from 1936 to his death in 1957. She then was married to Claren Goodwin in 1965 until his death in 1974. She married Harold D Oliver in 1977 and he preceded her in death in 1998.

She lived in several places including North Platte, Nampa, ID; Tacoma,WA; and in Gothenburg. While in Gothenburg, Vera worked for Peterson's Grocery as a department manager. She was a member of the Gothenburg Presbyterian Church where she was ordained as an Elder in 1976. She was involved with many church activities and Lions Club activities. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, and the Former Prisoners of War Auxiliary. Vera was busy with many volunteering activities. She was a longtime Meals-On-Wheels volunteer. She enjoyed dancing & playing cards with her friends. Reading, puzzles, gardening and family activities were important to her.

Surviving are four sons - Stanley (Carmen) Goodwin, Duane (Karen) Oliver, Chancy A Goodwin Jr., Lane Goodwin; five daughters - W Joan (John) Swenson, Thaine (Clifford) Freeze, Kimberly (Ken) Crisman, Sandra Downs, Carmen (Stanley) Goodwin; 23 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


Vera was preceded in death by her three husbands; her parents Charles Daly and Lena Daly Traphagan; son, Charles Goodwin; daughter, Y Jean Keahey; daughter-in-law, Gayle Goodwin; three brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Monday, February 18, 2013 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1020 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 10:30 am with Rev. Matt Coplen officiating.

Interment will follow at 1:30 pm in the North Platte Cemetery, North Platte, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Helping Hands, 1322 Ave I, Gothenburg, NE 69138, First Presbyterian Church, 1020 Lake Ave, PO Box 194, Gothenburg, NE 69138, Meals on Wheels, 410 20th , Gothenburg, NE 69138.