Evelyn Goodman, 90, of Sabetha, Kansas, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Sabetha Community Hospital, surrounded by her family and Pastor Ian Kinney.
Evelyn was born on August 8, 1936, in Fairview, Kansas, to John and Mary (Fortmeyer) Middendorf. She graduated from Fairview High School in May 1954.
Evelyn married Albert Goodman on August 22, 1954, and they made their home on a farm southwest of Sabetha. Evelyn was a homemaker and devoted herself to raising their children when they were young. In 1975, she began working in the laundry department at Fountain Villa Care Center in Sabetha, where she worked for most of her professional career. Many residents asked for Evelyn specifically for their laundry needs, and she mentored many young women in laundry skills. In the last five years of her career, she worked in the laundry department at Sabetha Manor. Evelyn was well known for baking and sharing her delicious desserts with her co-workers during breaks at the nursing homes. After retiring, Evelyn was often found tending her flower garden or enjoying lunch with her many friends.
Evelyn moved to the independent living apartments at the Apostolic Christian Retirement Village. Shortly thereafter, she moved to the Apostolic Christian Assisted Living facility. Over the past two years, Evelyn has lived in the Apostolic Christian Nursing Home.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Albert, of 51 years; her son, Rodney; her daughter, Ellen Garman; her grandson, Chad Garman; her great-granddaughter, Callie Catron; and her sister, Marjorie Lyon.
Evelyn is survived by her three sons, Curtis of St. Joseph, Missouri, Steve (Jody) of Fairview, Kansas, and Kevin (Vickie) of Sabetha; her daughter, Beth Erwin of Lenexa. Kansas; her 12 grandchildren; her many great-grandchildren; her brother, Charles Middendorf of Olathe, Kansas; and her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Sabetha. Before the service, a visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The inurnment will be made in the Albany Cemetery, north of Sabetha. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Lutheran Church, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Condolences can be shared online at www.popkessmortuaries.com.
