Della B. Goodpaster, 89, of Troy, passed away at Brookhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Brookville, Ohio on Saturday, September 6, 2014. She had been a resident of Brookhaven since 2006.

Della was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky on April 16, 1925 to Mark and Anna Brown. She married Walter Goodpaster on January 10, 1942. They moved to Troy, Ohio in 1946, and Walter preceded her in death in 2006, after 64 years of marriage.   Also, preceding her in death were daughters Bonnie and Tina, and a sister, Letitia.

Della is survived by daughters Betty (Jerry) Proctor of Colorado Springs, Colorado; son Gary (Cheryl) Goodpaster, of Boonville, Missouri; and daughter Debbie (Terry) Comer of Piqua, who was Della's primary and loving caregiver since 2006. Della is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, a sister Barbara (Bobbie) of Wampsville, New York and by many loving nieces and nephews.

Della took great pride in being a full-time wife, mother and homemaker. She totally devoted her life to her family. But once her children were raised, she started a successful working career of her own, concluding it in 1987, when she retired from her position with the Ohio Department of Human Services in Troy. In that role, she was able to continue her lifelong commitment to helping others in need. After her retirement, she and Walter enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends across the country.

Della was an auxiliary member of American Legion Post 586, in Tipp City, and a member of Troy Baptist Temple.

With Della's passing, the world has lost a warm, loving and gentle woman. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation for Della will be at Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home at 1124 West Main St., in Troy, from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, Sept. 11, with the funeral service at 7:00 PM.  Rev. Kim Armentrout will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a contribution in Della's name to the Alzheimer's Association of Miami Valley, 31 W. Whipp Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45459.