Sharon Elaine Goff, age 83 of Murfreesboro, formerly of Spokane Valley, Washington, died peacefully Monday, March 6, 2023, after a long battle with dementia. She was a native of Atlantic, Iowa and was preceded in death by her parents, Wood Goff and Maude Hughes Goff, along with her ten brothers and sisters. Miss Goff was a retired Teacher.

To say she was a retired teacher, however, would not begin to say how extraordinary a person she was. The tenth of eleven children, Sharon was always a giver and a caretaker and took those gifts with her into the teaching profession and into her daily life.

A graduate of Western Kentucky State College (later known as WKU), Sharon was a very proud Hilltopper and kept her Coach Feix autographed Red Towel with her until she died. After teaching in Bowling Green, she returned to her hometown of Atlantic and grew into the person who would change children's lives, believing in their possibilities even when they did not believe in themselves. Reading her notes of encouragement on old report cards is a great reminder of her authentic nature. Beginning the Talented and Gifted program while in Iowa, she went on to challenge children and adults to see the world differently, and to love learning.

A voice can be used in so many places, and Sharon embraced the opportunities afforded a wonderful soprano such as she in the Atlantic Jaycee's production of "Hello, Dolly!" It was a turning point in Sharon's life, as she truly owned the role of Dolly, and enjoyed the well-deserved applause that came with it. That role was, in her eyes, her greatest achievement outside of the classroom. Her Peg Truman pastel portrait of herself as Dolly in the white gown, hat, and parasol (all made by her sister Rosemary) has been center stage everywhere she lived. Even when no other words seemed to come to her, she could sing Hello, Dolly!

She was active in many places in the Atlantic community, one notable place being PEO and another being The United Presbyterian Church.

Moving west to Spokane, Washington in the mid-1980's, Sharon was able to continue her teaching and singing in both the school system and the church. She was a very involved and committed member of the Opportunity Presbyterian Church, as well as an active part of both the Presbytery and Synod for that area. On the Christian Education committee for Presbytery, she was able to wear her teacher hat and positively impact the decisions made. Her faith was important to her and visible in the way she lived her life.

An active member (if she were a member of something, you know she was active), of PEO, it remained an important part of her regular schedule until she was no longer able to participate.

Wearing red (shirts and shoes), drinking coffee (Whistlestop was her favorite), and walking as far as her legs in her very cute sock selection would carry her are the things most people will remember about Sharon.

During the final two years of her beautiful life, Sharon lived in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, first at The Rutherford, and finally at Adams Place Memory Care. She knew she was loved by and enjoyed the visits of her special nieces LuAnn and Jonel, as well as Chip, Parker, and Molly, who reminded her that she was relevant in a space that leaves a person feeling anything but that. The family is immensely grateful for the staff who loved on, cared for, and encouraged Sharon in her final months.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Locally, she  is survived by her nephew, Bernie Steen and wife Susan, who were honored to be her conservators to ensure her safety at a most vulnerable time in her life.

Dementia is a cruel disease that affects each victim differently, and it is a joy to know she no longer suffers its effects on her brain and body. The staff of Dr. Carijean Queen in Spokane are to be commended for the compassionate manner in which they handled some very difficult days in the earlier days, as were Nena Egli and Linda Jose most recently, along with Caris Hospice. Thanks to Julie Olds and Craig Hirt in Washington, Joy Ash-Gallaland, Marie Littrell, Rachelle Windrow Ayers, Judge Toby Gilley, and especially Amanda Moore here in Murfreesboro.

Memorials for Sharon can be made to Opportunity Presbyterian Church, Spokane Valley, Washington, Western Kentucky University, PEO or the classroom teacher of your choice.

A private family service will be in Iowa at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Woodfin Funeral Chapels and an online guestbook is available for the Goff family at www.woodfinchapel.com.