Norma Shearer Goff
Norma Shearer Goff, 92, passed away November 13, 2016 at her home in Colorado Springs, CO. She was surrounded by many of her beloved family. Norma was born in Bucklin on January 27, 1924 and was the eldest child of Russell W. and Lena Pearl (Kennett) Shearer. Her childhood years were spent in Tice, Montrose, Colorado, and Bucklin.
Norma married Donald W. Goff of Bucklin in Wichita, on January 27, 1942. He preceded her in death on June 14, 2001. Being a loving wife and dedicated mother were Norma’s aspirations in life. She and Don were the proud parents of four children: Sherry McKee (companion, Richard Wilkinson) of Colorado Springs, CO; Greg Goff (wife, Linda) of Dodge City; Sheila Ritchie (husband, Dave) of Woodland Park, CO, and Marty Hahn (husband, Ed) of Castle Rock, CO.
Norma juggled raising her children with supporting her family while Don completed his undergraduate degree and Master’s degree from Wichita State University. Don’s teaching and coaching career took the family to Sedan and Chanute. The Goff family then journeyed to Visalia and Dinuba, CA where Don was a high school principal. Norma was always an adventurous woman and eagerly upheld her husband’s choices to enhance his career.
In 1959, the Goff family moved to Dodge City where Don went into the car business. Again, Norma supported this career move and was very proud to call Dodge City her home. She played an integral role in the success of Goff Motors, which later became G and G Super Centers. After the children left home, Norma worked at the dealership. Later, Norma was able to fulfill her love of antiques by opening her own antique store. Her passion was collecting rare antique dolls, and her joy was enhanced by the thrill of the search for the perfect antique.
Don and Norma traveled the world, which satisfied Norma’s love of adventure. After Don’s retirement, they spent summers at their cabin in Glen Haven, CO, and wintered in Kerrville, TX. They enjoyed the winter months in their motor home in the beauty of the Texas hill country.
Norma was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Dodge City; former member of D.A.R. and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and acted as a “Pink Lady” for the Hospital Auxillary. She enjoyed a common interest with her fellow members of the “Dodge City Dollies” club.
In 2004, Norma moved to Colorado Springs. Although she was delighted to be close to her three daughters, she always considered Dodge City her home.
Norma’s legacy continues on in her nine grandchildren, and they adored their “Nanny”. She loved each and every one of them unconditionally and valued them for their positive attributes. Her grandchildren are: Melissa (Misty) McKee Miller (husband, Rob) of Montrose, CO; Melanie McKee Gross of Montrose, CO; Jarod Goff (wife, Kendall) of of Overland Park; Travis Goff (wife, Nancy) of Winnetka, IL; Derek Goff of Costa Mesa, CA; Joshua Green of Colorado Springs, CO; Jonna Green Conway (husband, Matt) of Almaty, Kazakhstan; Tacia McKibbin (husband, Nate Davis) of Castle Rock, CO, and Tawnee McKibbin (companion, Joshua Robinson) of Castle Rock, CO. Step grandchildren include Scott Ritchie (wife, Monica) of Prescott Valley, AZ; Brett Ritchie of Colorado Springs, CO; Matt Hahn (wife, Lindsey) of Denver, CO, and Sara Hahn Hand of Colorado Springs, CO.
The fourteen great grandchildren continue Norma’s “joie de vivre”. Megan Mariah Miller Culmer (husband, Garrett) of Montrose, CO; McKenzie Gross of Glendive, MT; Gage, Mason and Parker Goff of Overland Park; Ellie and Carly Goff of Winnetka, IL; Aiden, Emma, and Eli Green of Colorado Springs, CO; Caleb, Malachi, and Charis Conway of Almaty, Kazakhstan; Dakota Davis of Castle Rock, CO, and Colton McKibbin of Castle Rock, CO continue the lineage. Step great grandchildren are Eliana, Jaedon, and Levi Ritchie of Prescott Valley, AZ, and Raelyn and Ethan Ritchie of Colorado Springs, CO.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers: Ronald Shearer, Duane Shearer, Robert Shearer and Dean Shearer, and a grandson, Steven Jon McKee. A sister, Deloris Horton of Evanston, Wyoming and a brother, Richard Shearer of St. Louis, Mo. survive. A niece, Holly Horton, and four nephews, Michael and Steven Shearer, and Todd and Perry Shearer complete her large family.
Norma Shearer Goff played many roles in her influential life. To her family, she was the matriarch, counselor, teacher, and family caretaker. To those whose lives she touched outside the family, she was a forever friend, trusted advisor and “mother” to many. An aura of love and acceptance drew many to this amazing woman.
In accordance with Norma’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are suggested to the Ford County Humane Society in care of Swaim Funeral Home, 1901 6th Avenue, Dodge City, Kansas, 67801.
