Emma “Lucille” Meek ’56 Goding

Emma “Lucille” Meek ’56 Goding of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died on Friday, June 30, 2017. She was 83.

Lucille is survived by her brother, David Meek of Ruidoso, New Mexico; Children Stephany Benaway of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Clark Goding of Tuscon, Arizona; Heather Spencer of Englewood, Colorado; two granddaughters and a grandson. She is preceded in death by husband, Gordon Goding of Grand Haven, Michigan; parents, father Sandy Meek of Holland, Michigan, and mother Alice Hughes Meek Lingamfelter of Bellview, Missouri.

Lucille was born on December 18, 1933 in Edgewood, Missouri, to Alice and Sandy Meek. She graduated High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then went on to attend Hope College in Holland, Michigan, until her marriage to Gordon Goding,who was an auditor/accountant with Denoyer Chevrolet, in 1955. Over the next ten years the couple welcomed three children into their home. After Gordon accepted a position with the State of Michigan, as a tax auditor, the family moved to Grand Haven Michigan.

Her children remember her as keen story teller, sharing stories of her childhood such as summers in Missouri, how the family supported the war effort (WWII), and all of her cousins. Lucille was accomplished at the piano, and often played for family and friends. She was a curious individual who loved history and armchair traveling the world. She was passionate about education and donated much of her time to be classroom help. After her children grew up and moved away, Lucille added a passion for genealogy and bird-watching. She remained a member of the Audubon Society until her death. The family would like to thank Mesilla Valley Hospice for their care and compassion.