Mary Esther Gooch

Mary Esther (Johnson) Gooch, 67, of Tempe, Arizona passed away on February 10, 2014. Mary was born March 29, 1946 in Rockford Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Alice Johnson. She has two surviving siblings Ginger Allen and William Johnson. Mary is also survived by a loving husband John Gooch. Her greatest accomplishments were her children; one son Ryan Gooch and four daughters, Jennifer (Dean) McCleve, Kelly (Steve) Deming, Lesley (Nathan) Scoresby, and Michelle (Justin) Gardner. She has 13.5 grandchildren who adored her: Tyler, Casey, Hunter, Carter, Jacob, Jessica, Jonathan, Jana, Matthew, Brayden, Preston, Kate, Madison. Her greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother and grandmother. She worked vigorously to create a united family. Mary received a Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University in Home Economics Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. She thoroughly enjoyed her 20 year teaching career at Mesa High. She was a great champion of all the students she taught and enjoyed having past students ask “Remember when we made ______________ in foods class.” Mary was always a strong devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various areas in the Church including, Relief Society President, working with the young single adults and Young Women’s President. Her heart rejoiced in watching the Young Women grow strong in the Gospel. One of Mary’s interests was working diligently on family history. She was proud of her Scandinavian heritage. Her testimony of the Savior is evident by the kindness and service she showed to anyone who knew her. Mary was loved by all and will sincerely be missed. The Viewing will be at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa on Feb. 14, 6-8pm. Funeral Services will be on Feb. 15, 10am at LDS Church 6001 S. Lakeshore Dr. Tempe, AZ 85283