Marilyn Kay Goodlet, 72, of Faucett, Mo., went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2025. She was born July 20, 1952, to Lowell (Poodle) Laurence and Catherine Laurence and lived her childhood years in New Market, Mo. She attended North Platte High School, graduating in 1970. Marilyn attended Missouri Western State University where she earned a degree in biology.
As a high school student, she was a talented basketball player and flute player in the band. She often earned the top honors at regional and state music competitions. Her interest in science and her passion for youth led her to become an admired biology teacher at Mid-Buchanan High School, with a career spanning 31 years. During that time she greatly enjoyed leading students in science fair competitions, including earning several prestigious opportunities to compete at the International Science Fair. She enjoyed spending hours after school helping students with their projects, and many referred to her as a second mother.
She shared her love of music to play the piano and organ at New Market Christian Church for more than 30 years alongside her sister-in-law, Sheila Goodlet. She was an active and committed member of New Market Christian Church across her lifetime. Marilyn was an excellent cook and prepared big meals for farm crews when the family was raising tobacco. She loved to grow a large garden and canned many vegetables in the summer months, which she shared often with friends and family. Sheila Goodlet and the late Steve Goodlet often traveled with Marilyn and Mike to antique stores and Star Trek conventions, and she lovingly called herself a Trekkie.
Her greatest love was her husband, Michael. She finished college early so they could get married and begin their life, with a dedicated and strong marriage of 53 years. She loved her 12 grandchildren equally and enjoyed babysitting whenever she could.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Catherine Laurence; in-laws B.H. and Bonnie Goodlet; a son-in-law, Luke McCoy; brother-in-law Steve Goodlet; and nephew, Justin Stubbs.
Marillyn is survived by husband, Michael Goodlet; son Mark and wife Katie Goodlet of Columbia, Mo., and their children Kamryn and husband Zach Peters of Kansas City, Mo.; Emma and fiancé Dawson Meierotto of Columbia, Mo., and Paige of Columbia, Mo; son Matt and wife Lynn Goodlet of Foristell, Mo., and their children Nathan, Macie, and Tessa; daughter Rachel and husband Gary Ellis of St. Joseph, Mo., and children Elliot, Noah and Ben McCoy; son Devin and Monica Goodlet of Faucett, Mo., and children Liam, Jack and Evie. She enjoyed a loving group of friends and colleagues from the Mid-Buchanan and North Platte communities.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at New Market Christian Church. Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 9, at 10:30 a.m. at New Market Christian Church, with graveside to follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Weston, Mo.
Online condolences may be sent to Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower, MO.
