Floral Mae Ann Goodman passed away of natural causes at home Wednesday, June 4 at 5:30 PM surrounded by her family. Floral, born June 6, 1937, was the oldest of four children born to Warren and Eleanor Stillings.
Her earliest years were spent at a forest service station at Trout Creek, Montana where her father was ranger. Later the Stillings family moved to Butte where she had fond memories of their home at the Columbia Gardens. This historic and picturesque site was their playground growing up and afforded employment opportunities as teenagers.
After graduating from Butte High School where she played violin in orchestra, Floral enrolled at Western Montana College, Dillon, where she pursued a course in elementary education.
A unique program for a provisional certification to teach after two years was offered at that time, so Floral applied for and was granted a teaching contract at Longfellow Elementary School in Great Falls. She was only 19 years old when she received the contract although she had turned 20 by the time school began in the fall. The first few months she was often mistaken for a student and told to get back in line by other teachers.
After several years at Great Falls Floral returned to Western and completed her bachelor’s degree. She then taught elementary ed at her home town of Butte. In the meantime, a young man she had met at church became a rather persistent suitor. Paul Goodman was a student at Northwest College, Kirkland, Washington studying to become a minister. His persistence paid off and she became Mrs. Floral Goodman June 23, 1962.
Because younger sister, Noralyn, was engaged to be married the same summer to another ministry student at Northwest College the two girls put their heads together and organized a double wedding.
Floral applied for and received a teaching contract in Kirkland, Washington, where she was able to not only provide income but in October of 1963 gave birth to baby Loralyn.
When Paul and Floral left Washington in June of 1965 they were accepted as pastors at the Assembly of God church in Superior, Montana. During their three year stay a son, Paul Jr., was born in January of 1967. Subsequent places of ministry for the Goodman family include a one year interim position in Great Falls then a seven year term at Lewistown Assembly of God. While Floral was employed as a substitute teacher frequently she devoted her full time and attention to raising her children and assisting her husband in the church.
In 1976 the Goodman’s were invited to serve as pastors at Helena First Assembly where they enjoyed thirteen years in a growing, exciting ministry. Both Paul and Floral were also involved in positions of ministry for the Montana Ministry Network in addition to pastoring. Floral became the district Women’s Ministries Director in 1983 a position she held for 24 years.
Paul was elected Montana Network Superintendent in 1989 which took them from Helena to Billings. For eighteen years Paul and Floral worked with the 70 plus Assembly churches throughout Montana coordinating conferences, councils and camp meetings for the network of churches. Summer camp meetings at Glacier Bible Camp involved Floral as overseer of the food service for the hundreds of people who attended. Her skills at recruiting, managing and coordinating a mostly volunteer staff was exceptional and also gave her a visible role in the national women’s ministries division of the Assemblies of God.
In addition to Floral’s people skills she was a capable musician on the piano as well as the violin and was involved in the worship ministry of the church most of her life. As a minister’s wife she also excelled in hospitality both in the home and the church. Her love for God and faith in God were genuine right down to the deepest core of her heart. Serving God was not what she did; it was who she was.
As the daughter of a forest ranger Floral grew up with a love of the out of doors and the natural world. Married to an avid hunter she spent many days camping out, hiking and riding horseback. She also loved to travel and visit cultures of other countries. Trips to Israel, Europe, Hawaii and Mexico were a highlight for her. She was familiar with living out of suitcase. The Goodman cabin at Glacier Bible Camp was her home away from home.
In 2009 the Goodman’s sold their home in Billings and moved back to Helena to serve in a part time capacity on staff at Helena First Assembly, now Echo Church, under the leadership of Pastor Paul Feuerstein. The fact that Paul Jr and family were also in Helena made this move a huge joy to Floral as she was able to be involved in the lives of her two granddaughters, Timry and Natell.
Floral was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Eleanor Stillings, and brother, Richard. She is survived by her husband, Paul, two children, Loralyn and Paul Jr., daughter-in-love, Kim, granddaughters Timry and Natell Goodman. She also is survived by two younger sisters, Noralyn (Don) Baker of Deer Lodge and Sandra (Larry) Hoffman of Seattle and their respective families.
Floral’s memorial celebration will be held at ECHO church, 2210 Dodge Ave., Helena, Montana, on June 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow.
Should anyone wish to memorialize Floral, rather than flowers, contributions to ECHO church, Helena, Montana building fund or Glacier Bible Camp, Hungry Horse, Montana, 59919, would be appreciated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jYeLfjs3gY
Vince & Relinda Lindgren says
Pastor Paul, Lori, Paul and family; Vince and I are so saddened to hear this news. Yet we rejoice that her earthly sufferings are over, and she is now reaping the rewards of a life lived for Christ. Praying the Holy Spirit fills each of you with His peace and comfort as we know she will be greatly missed.
John &Sandra Johnson says
We reach out to you with our love and sympathy. We know that she is now in the presence of the Lord. May the Lord comfort you in your sorrow.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Thoughts and prayers go out to Pastor Paul and the rest of the family 😢🙏
Diana Dorn says
Dear Paul, Lori, Paul Jr, and Family,
Floral was very special to me. She had an influence on my life that she probably didn’t realize. I greatly admired her and appreciate her for the beautiful example of living a Christian life. I will never forget the fun we had during our Gospelaires years of rehearsals and performances. She gave a lot of herself to support many and was loved and appreciated for it. I carry her influence with me.
May God grant you an extra measure of comfort as you remember her. Much love and blessings, Diana Dorn
Deb Green says
Oh Floral – you were such a precious friend to our family. From the the first day I met you I felt your love. You truly had such a caring heart. So thankful that you were a part of my life. You had such a heart for ministry and especially women. You helped us grow in our walk with the Lord and you gave such Godly counsel. Your hugs were the Best and I will never forget your contagious laugh. The special memories from Ladies Retreats will always live on in my heart. Your home now my precious friend!
Vince Justice says
Dear Paul, Lori , Paul Jr, Even though we know FLoral Is with the Lord now, there is still some hurt as well. Our prayers are with all of you, I look forward to seeing Floral again in heaven . I cant imagine all the reward FLoral will receive for how she touched so many lives w/ her love and kindness. Well done FLoral, see you soon !
Scott Walberg says
Dear Goodman family, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Floral’s smile, laugh, love and Godly wisdom enriched our lives in many ways. I (Scott) am thankful for the altar services as a youth in Helena when Floral would pray for God’s wisdom, leadership, and direction in my and for my life. Her encouragement to Michele as a friend/minister’s wife to look up to; and to our daughters while they served with her in the dining-room at Glacier Bible Camp are precious times and memories we treasure. What a great lady who is now enjoying her eternal reward! May the peace of the Holy Spirit surround and minister to you in a special way. God bless you friends….you are loved.
Kenny and Karen Wood says
Dear Goodman Family~ Our love and prayers are with you all. Floral had a way of making us all feel so important. Her love, laughter, encouragement and prayers touched our lives in so many ways. Please know so many love your family and we are praying you feel the prayers and support all around you.
Kevin Bartsch says
Paul Jr and family. I’m very sorry to read of your mom’s passing. May your memories and Gods grace surround you during this difficult time.
Becky Schupp Watson says
Lori and family,
I had the pleasure of sitting and chatting with Floral at several Christmas parties for the law firm. She was such a neat lady to be around and so easy to talk to. My deepest condolences go out to you and the entire Goodman family.
Alana Lencioni LaRock says
Floral was the most kind and sweet person ever. She sat me as a child when we were so lucky to live at the Columbia Gardens in Butte. Then after I married I found out she roomed with my sister-in-law at Western. Small world. I was fortunate to reconnect a number of years ago while getting a hair cut. She hadn’t changed a bit. I’m so saddened over her passing. The world has lost an exceptional woman. May God Bless her and all her family🙏🏻🙏🏻😪😪💔💔
Jean and Leonard Fairfield says
Jean and I viewed the celebration of life for Floral yesterday from here in Arizona. What a fitting tribute, Her dedication to God, family and friends were with her every day. We remember when she attended college in Dillon, Montana. My sister (Donna George) was her roommate. I can’t imagine how excited Donna was to welcome her friend and roommate into Heaven. They are now rejoicing together in Christ love.
Tom & Karen Rasmussen says
Our condolences to the Goodman family. What a gracious and outstanding person Floral was, in every way and as a pastors wife and helpmate to you Paul, she was gifted by God to do everything with excellence. Paul, I look back fondly during those years when you were Sr. Pastor at 1st Assembly and our kids were in their growing up years
as they journeyed through the various youth groups together. There is the unavoidable sense of loss in this situation
but we can rejoice together knowing that Floral is dancing with angels in Heaven and face to face with our Lord
Jesus Christ.