Stephanie Leanne Goodrich
March 4, 1989 ~ August 2, 2021
Stephanie Leanne (Emerson) Goodrich, 32, of Taylorville, passed away unexpectedly at 1:14 a.m. on Monday, August 2, 2021 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Stephanie was born March 4, 1989 in Taylorville, the daughter of Frank T. and Mickey (McDonald) Emerson. As a young girl, she received second runner-up at the Miss Tri-County Pageant. Stephanie graduated from Taylorville High School with the Class of 2007. She participated in Madrigals, choir, band, pit orchestra for every musical, and played on the soccer team all four years. Stephanie also volunteered her time to the community, where she was awarded the Gold Award by the Girl Scouts, the highest honor they bestow upon a member. She loved children, and volunteered at PREP, helping with their annual pre-school screenings and literacy nights.
Stephanie married Glen “Freddie” Goodrich III on July 9, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville, and the following day recited their vows once again at Freddie’s church, First Church of the Nazarene in Taylorville. Stephanie and Freddie have remained members of both churches. She is also a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge #1516, member of the Women of the Moose #1263, and an alumnus of the Taylorville Choir. Stephanie was currently employed at McDonald’s in Taylorville as a Crew Trainer. She loved her job, and it showed with how she treated all patrons with kindness. Stephanie had an amazing smile that lifted the spirits of everyone who came in contact with her.
She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Christine Emerson; sister, Katelyn Emerson; paternal grandparents, Bea and Frank T. Emerson, Sr.; and uncle, John Damarin.
Stephanie is survived by her husband, Freddie Goodrich, III of Taylorville; parents, Mickey and Frank T. Emerson, Jr. of Taylorville; brother, F. Thad (wife, Kayla) Emerson of Taylorville; maternal grandparents, Pat and David L. McDonald of Taylorville; aunts, Jean McDonald of Edinburg, P.J. (husband, Bob) Ruckstuhl of Newberry, OH, Kathy (husband, David) Johnson of Owings, MD, Vanessa (husband, Joe) Leach of Taylorville, Karen (husband, Porky) Mills of Taylorville, and Diana Damarin of Taylorville; uncles, Chris (wife, Beth) McDonald of Urbana, Charlie (wife, Paula) McDonald of Lake Charles, LA, David McDonald of Taylorville, and Bart (wife, Julie) Emerson of Taylorville; mother and father-in-law, Jeanie and Glen F. Goodrich, Jr. of Mt. Auburn; sisters-in-law, Jennifer (significant other, Robby Mozie) Law of Taylorville, and April (husband, Eric) Mertens of Portland, OR; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation: The family will receive guests from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.
Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, with Pastor Rita Briggs officiating.
Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The family of Stephanie L. Goodrich c/o Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Stephanie, or offer condolences to her family.
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Mickey and family, Stephanie was a very kind person with a loving heart. I met her once and remember her beautiful smile and kindness.
Hopefully your fond memories will help you get through the challenging days to come.
I worked with Stephanie for a few years at McDonald’s, she was always cheerful. I’m so sad and sorry to hear about her passing love and empathy to her family.
Stephanie was a beautiful person inside and out. I have known the Emerson’s since South Elementary School, and couldn’t imagine a nicer family. Prayers for you all.
Prayers for all the family during this difficult time. Heaven has gained another Angel! Deepest Sympathy from Angela and I.
Micky, Frank, Thad, Grandma’s & Grandpa’s & All-
Very sorry for your/our loss. Sometimes life is not fair. I do know your strong faith and family will see you through this… Saddest Condolences – Tom & all the Doherty Family.
There are no words that can heal your hearts at this time. Your two angels are now together at their
Moose heavenly home. Stephanie’s memories will live in your hearts to keep her close to you. Such
a vibrant young lady to leave so early our Moose circle is broken but Stephanie will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace. Prayers to all the family.
Steph was such an amazing person. My first day at McDonalds she made me feel so welcome and took all my nerves away. Since that day I loved walking into work and seeing her smile at me and say good morning. Steph is now a beautiful angel watching over her friends and family. I will miss her so so much.
Glen and family, words can’t express how much we hurt for you. We have been talking about getting together, but thought we had lots of time. I will always remember Stephanie by that beautiful smile and little giggle she had. I will miss her. Sending ((hugs)) to you all and hope God will put his arms around you to comfort you. Life is just too short. Let’s not wait. Let’s get together. Somehow, Somewhere. Let’s just do it.
Stephanie was an amazing person and every time I seen her she always had a smile on her face. She brightened my day every time I seen her. She was loved and she will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Stephanie’s passing. Such a wonderful young lady and pleasure to have as a student in high school music classes and activities. We will always remember her kind spirit and positive attitude. Our thoughts are with Stephanie’s family and friends, and she will always be remembered in our prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Stephanie’s bubbly personality and beautiful smile will be missed.
I only got to meet Stephanie a few times with Freddy and the family but she was always sweet, kind, smiling, she was a very happy person. From what it seems her and Freddy was perfect match im glad they got to spend all there happiness together. I am so sorry for you lose Freddy she was beautiful person inside and out.
We will continue to keep everyone in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for this unexpected loss.