Lori Beth Goff lived life. Even though her life was much too short, she lived with purpose and passion. She would be the first to tell you that she “genuinely loved her life.” She could say that with a beautiful smile on her face, even knowing she was living with leukemia. She was truly an inspiration.
On Tuesday evening, November 30, 2010, Lori joined the angels in Heaven, after living with leukemia since April 2003. She was from Mount Gilead and only 25 years young.
On July 6, 1985, Lori Beth was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, the youngest of three children of Ned and Judy (Phillips) Goff. After living there two years and in Virginia Beach until she was 10 years old, she returned with her family to their hometown of Mount Gilead in 1995.
Excelling as a student, Lori graduated from Mount Gilead High School in the Class of 2003, where she had been a member of the National Honor Society, show choir, and participated in the Big Buddies program. She also played basketball all four years, and softball every year but one. She played the bass drum in the marching and concert bands, and was active in 4 H for several years.
Despite being diagnosed with leukemia shortly before graduating high school, Lori persevered and continued her pursuit of education at The Ohio State University. While there, she earned her bachelors of science degree in Criminology, minoring in Forensic Science, and graduating with pride cum laude in June of 2008. She was a member of the OSU French Club, and thoroughly enjoyed going on two study tours to Europe. She was also a member of The Ohio State University Alumni Association.
To say Lori was an avid Ohio State University Buckeye football and basketball team fan would be a drastic understatement. One of her and her father’s most special moments was traveling to the horseshoe last year to watch Ohio State play Navy, especially considering her father had served over 20 years in the Navy.
With a love for music, Lori could listen and sing along to Maroon 5, The Beatles, Rascal Flatts, and Keith Urban.
Always reading, Lori loved a good adventure or fantasy book. Some of her favorites were the Twilight series, Harry Potter series, The Last Apprentice series, and the Percy Jackson series. She also loved when her favorite books were made into movies, watching all of them she could, and even enjoying a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, to the Harry Potter theme park. Just a week ago, she did everything in her power to go to the theatre to watch the most recent Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I.
Trying to stay up on all of her tv shows could sometimes be a challenge for Lori, as she had so many that she loved, such as: Stargate Universe, House, Rizzoli and Isles, The Closer, Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, NCIS, The Office, Merlin, and Sanctuary. In 2005, she and her family were thrilled to have been given a Make-A-Wish trip. They chose to go to the set of the tv show Stargate SG-1 in Vancouver, British Columbia, which was a priceless experience. She even shared two special trips to Stargate conventions, one in Chicago, Illinois, and one in Columbus, Ohio with her mother.
“Beautiful on the inside and out,” Lori was adored by her family and friends. They were often amazed by her positive attitude no matter the situation. In their words, “the way she lived her life was truly inspiring.” Whatever she was working on, Lori gave it her complete focus and always put forth her best effort. Her smart and witty personality also kept everyone laughing.
Lori will be dearly missed by her parents: Ned and Judy Goff of Mount Gilead; a brother, Morgan Goff of Mount Gilead, and his son, Donovan; a sister, Andrea (Jamie) Koebel of Columbus, and their children: Emma Dean and Victor Koebel; her maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Phillips of Mount Gilead; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her canine companions: Buddy and Holly.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Maurice Phillips; paternal grandparents: Carl and Mary (Bendle) Goff; an uncle and aunt: Neil and Debby Goff; and an aunt, Bonnie Shoewalter.
The Goff family will greet friends from 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, 2010, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services celebrating her life will also be held there on Monday at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Kelly Melvin officiating. Her family would like to encourage all friends and family who will be attending her services wear her favorite colors, scarlet and gray, something Lori would greatly appreciate. Burial will follow in Bryn Zion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, c/o Awana Program, or to the Flying Horse Farm of Morrow County, which is a camp in Mount Gilead for children with serious illnesses. They may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Lori’s family, you may do so online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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