Goforth, Charlene Ann

Charlene Ann Goforth - age: 81
(August 01, 1939 to March 06, 2021 )
Resident of Palo Cedro, California

Obituary:
Charlene Ann (Shields) Goforth peacefully joined God with family by her side on March 6, 2021 in Redding, CA.

She graced the lives of her parents, Preston and Wilma Shields of Covelo, CA on August 1, 1939, and was one of the first babies to be born at the Frank Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits, CA. She was lovingly raised in Covelo where she graduated high school and then married her husband Ted L. Goforth on June 30, 1957. Together they moved to Ukiah and started a family. They eventually settled in Redwood Valley where they lived for 45 years, until moving to Red Bluff and then Redding.

Charlene was an active member of the Children’s Home Society, and worked as a bank teller at Bank of America, and a licensed cosmetologist who worked out of her home. She later held the positions of a bookkeeper at Irene’s dress shop, and secretary for the Mendocino County Juvenile Hall. Her favorite job of all, however, was being a mother.

Known to those close to her as Mom, Grammy, Charl, WaWa, Auntie, Burp, and LaLa, she had many avenues of interest. She enjoyed a good adventure to the coast, lake camping trips, Disneyland, the hair and nail salon, and any opportunity to spend time with those she loved. She treasured every get together, holiday, and simple coffee date with the same joy. She was an amazing cook and baker. You name it, she made it. Up until her final days, she was working diligently on a family cookbook to share her well known recipes.

Charlene had a special place in her heart for all of her animals, especially Sophie and Shortie, and was equally loved back. She loved to paint, craft and crochet, but rarely kept her final product for herself. She found greater joy in giving her work away.

She was a vessel of God and her faith flowed from her onto others. She was a member of the Redwood Valley Community Church and looked forward to Sunday service, Bible study, and other church related activities.

Her attitude was as bright and lively as her beautiful flower beds, of which her specialty was Impatiens. She sowed good seeds both physically and spiritually. She lived out the Bible’s description of Love; patiently, kindly, keeping no record of wrongs, always protecting, trusting, hoping and persevering. She loved God and people and spoke this good news over her life and those around her.

Charlene delighted in her family who all adored her. She is survived by her husband Ted L. Goforth of 63 years, daughters Judy, Jill (Kurt), Suzy (Roberto), son Will (Keri), and daughter-in-law Lenae; grandchildren Johanna, Alicia, Tyler, Kalvin, Kaisha, Brandy, Jesse, Kyle, Marissa and Melia; and 2 great grandchildren Kayelyn and a baby boy expected in May.

She was preceded in death by her oldest son Rick in 2005.

Charlene touched the lives of all those she encountered. She was not only dearly loved by family, but also by her lifelong close friends and co-workers. We were so lucky to call her ours and experience her unwavering love. She lit up a room and lit up our lives. She encouraged us to be a little more kind, a little more forgiving, a little more patient, a little more like Jesus. She is deeply missed by her family and close friends, though she will never be forgotten. May her memory be eternal.


A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 15 at the Redwood Valley Community Church at 1:00 PM.