Esther L. Goodnight

Esther L. Goodnight, 94, Lebanon formerly of Kirklin, passed away at 2:28 a.m. in her sleep on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon.

She was born July 30, 1918, in Frankfort, the daughter of Merle and Ruth Cohee Smith.

On March 6, 1937, she married Gerald Goodnight; after 64 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on August 17, 1999.

She attended Frankfort High School.  Esther moved to Kirklin in 1950 from Sheridan.  She was a homemaker and member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Kirklin American Legion Auxiliary.

Surviving are three daughters, Kay Harrison of Tucson, AZ, Patty (Burl) Tharp of Kirklin, and Barbara (Bill) Brock of Frankfort; one son, Donald (Clessie) Goodnight of Plainfield; and her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Gerald “Buddy” Goodnight, Jr. who died in May 1990; three brothers, John Smith, Elvin Smith, and Martin Smith; one sister, Dorothy King; and three grandsons.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 25, 2013, at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort from 5-7 p.m.  Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Kirklin.

Memorials in Esther’s name may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“Esther lived a long life; may she rest in peace knowing she did the best she could have done.”