Good, Rachel Jean

Rachel Jean Good, 87, of Iowa City, formerly of Boone, went home to be with her Heavenly Father Aug. 25, 2009, following a short illness.

Rachel Jean was born June 9, 1922, to Leonard E. and Edna E. (Nelson) Hanson at their home, 415 Third St., Boone, Iowa. Rachel grew up in Boone, graduating from Boone High School in 1939. She attended and was a member of The Swedish Mission Church, later to be known as First Evangelical Free Church. Rachel accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age and continued to serve Him until her final day.

Rachel graduated from Iowa State University, earning degrees in early childhood education and home economics. She received her master's degree in 1962 from Drake University. She opened preschools in Freeport, Ill., and Beaver, Iowa. Rachel was an outstanding kindergarten teacher at Garfield, Bryant and Page schools in Boone.

On May 19, 1946, Rachel was united in marriage to Maurice W. “Morrie” Good. To this union, two daughters were born, Rebecca Jean and Rita Lou.

Rachel was a great teacher, musician, Mother, and friend. In later years, she enjoyed doing all types of needlework, creating many items for the Boone Free Church Home Harvest Festival. Rachel loved to entertain and created a welcoming, loving atmosphere in their home.

Rachel was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Retired Teachers Association. She received The Paul Harris Award and was a pianist for Rotary. She was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, where she served faithfully as the church organist for over 30 years, and a life member of the National Women's Ministries of the Free Church. While in Iowa City, Rachel attended and was involved at Parkview Evangelical Free Church.

Rachel is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Jean Good of Des Moines; her daughter and son-in-law, Rita and Jim Douglass of Iowa City; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Christopher and Jennifer Douglass of Chicago; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Nyla Good of Boone, and their children, David, Linda and Laurie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m. at First Evangelical Free Church, 1407 Kate Shelley Dr., Boone, with the Rev. Jeffrey Gilmore officiating. Interment will be in Linwood Park Cemetery, Boone. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at Stark-Welin Chapel, 609 Seventh St., Boone, with the family present at that time to greet friends, and from 8:30 a.m. to time of service Saturday at the church.

Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their gift to the Rachel Jean Good Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed at

Stark-Welin Funeral Directors in Boone is in charge of arrangements.