Diana Lynn Goodson (Rich), 47, of Delta Junction, Alaska, died Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, at home after 21 months battling cancer. She was born April 15, 1976, in Moscow, to John and Joy Rich. She spent her childhood in Moscow. After graduating high school, Diana worked as a CNA for a nursing home in her hometown before attending the University of Idaho, graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Crime and Justice Studies, and Psychology.
After obtaining her degree, she moved to Chinook, Mont., where she worked in Human Resources and maintained patient files at the Center of Mental Health. Later, moved to Havre, Mont., to manage a Women’s Shelter for battered women. She returned to Moscow in 2006 and began working at the University of Idaho, School of Law, Legal Aide Clinic where she managed case files for the School of Law. Diana married the love of her life and best friend, Shane Patrick Goodson, on March 12, 2011. From there, moved to Clarksville, Tenn., where she worked as a Probation Officer for Montgomery County, Tennessee. Later earning her certification as a Piano Tuner and Repair Technician from the American School of Piano Tuning. In 2015, she moved to Alaska, ultimately making Delta Junction her home. She worked on Fort Greely for the Directorate of Emergency Services as the Records Clerk until her death.
She is survived by her husband, Shane Goodson, sons Matt and Mark, step-daughters Samantha and Megan, step-sons Nathaniel and Benjamin (Gracie), and three step-grandchildren, parents John and Joy, and sister Julie (Dwayne).
Diana loved music. In her youth, played Oboe, and later played piano and was learning to play the guitar. She looked forward to singing in the Delta Community Holiday Choir each holiday season. She also sought out adventure, from experiencing a tandem skydive to completing the 14.2-mile Honorary Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The great outdoors was her playground: Camping, hiking, trail riding, hunting, and above all, fishing Prince William Sound in Valdez, and traveling to new destinations on or off the beaten path just to experience what is there.
A memorial celebration of life will be held at 1-4 p.m. PDT, Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Delta Junction Community Center in Delta Junction, Alaska. A buffet lunch will be served. Memorial donations may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association abta.org.
