MEADE – Ellen E. Goodnight, age 75, died early Thursday morning, October 15, 2009, at the Harry Hines Hospice, Wichita, Kansas.

She was born June 27, 1934, at Fowler, Kansas, the daughter of William H. "Bill" and Blanche (Tillery) Painter. As a young girl, she attended the Meade school system, graduating from Meade High School in 1952. She later attended Dodge City Community College, graduating in 1973 with her L.P.N. certification. She was a lifetime resident of Meade County. In 2008, she retired from the Meade District Hospital after 35 years of nursing service.

Ellen enjoyed reading, cross-stitching, working puzzles, knitting, and spending time with her family and friends.

On June 1, 1952, she married Charles D. "Don" Goodnight at her parents home in rural Meade County. He precedes her in death on January 8, 2000.

Survivors include:
Three sons, Dr. Gary D. Goodnight and wife, Jean of Abilene, Texas
T. Kim Goodnight and wife, Beth of Dodge City, Kansas
Steven L. Goodnight and wife, Kristin of Melbourne, Florida

A daughter, Kayla Goodnight of Florida

A brother, Jack Painter of Meade, Kansas

Three sisters, Elsie Branden of Meade, Kansas
Jean White of Chanute, Kansas
Kay Nye of Buhler, Kansas

Six grandchildren, Mandy Cundy and husband, Meurig, Erin Goodnight-Himes and husband James, Dr. Ashley Goodnight, Lauren Goodnight, Rachael Goodnight, and Hannah Goodnight.

Two great-grandchildren, Bryce Himes and Owen Cundy

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2009, at the First Baptist Church, Meade, with Pastor Paul Livingston presiding. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Interment will follow in the Englewood Cemetery, Englewood, Kansas.

The family would welcome memorials to the Friends of the Library in care of the funeral home.