Fern Arleen Vik Goodlett, née Holm, died in the loving embrace of her family on Feb. 6 in Quincy, WA at the age of 91. She was born on April 16, 1924 in Beebe, South Dakota to Norwegian-American parents, Sarah Blanche Kjeldseth and Samuel August Holm. Fern was raised in Irene, South Dakota with her brothers Clayton, Ernest, Luverne, and Burnell, and graduated from Wakonda High School in 1942, where she excelled in art and spelling. She fell in true love at first sight with Hervin Vik, who worked on her family’s farm, and they were married for over 50 joyful years. They traveled the country as he trained for service in World War II, and began their life together on Long Island, New York, where they were blessed with the birth of their two children Sandra Marie and William Lyle.

In 1952 the family moved to Seattle, where Fern delighted in her 20-year career in the hosiery department at Frederick & Nelson and kept in close touch with her coworkers and customers for the rest of her life. In 1996, Fern lost Hervin to cancer. She later married family friend Ray Goodlett and they spent eight very happy years in Edmonds, WA. Fern was a beautiful woman who loved beautiful things, and easily found the beauty in everyone. Fern loved God, her church, gardening, and drawing, but what she loved most was people. She could turn anyone she met into a lifelong friend.

Fern was cherished for her generosity of spirit, her sweet tenderness, and a remarkable gift for making everyone she knew feel special and uniquely loved. Even in the last week of her life, Fern embodied light and love for all around her, family members and hospital staff alike. She will continue to be a powerful model of unconditional love, fidelity, and faith for all of us, and we will deeply miss her gentle hugs and sparkling smile.

Fern was preceded in death by many who now welcome her into their heavenly home in celebration. Fern is survived by her beloved family: her daughter Sandra and husband David Shelton of Quincy, Washington; her son Bill and wife Lori Vikof Anthem, Arizona; her special niece Karen (Riley) of Tacoma; her grandchildren Peter (Courtney), Paul (Julie), Leah, Stephanie (Tyler), and Lauren; great-grandchildren Abby, Mason, and Logan who brought her so much joy when she moved to Quincy last year; and her large, loving extended family.

We will celebrate Fern’s brilliant life in music, prayer, fellowship, and love at a memorial service at Ronald United Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Ave. N, Shoreline, WA on Sat., Feb. 13, 2016 at 2 pm. Donations can be made in her name to Habitat for Humanity, 560 Naches Ave SW Suite 110, Renton, WA 98057. Remember Fern and her tremendous loving heart.

Please leave a memory for the family or sign their online guestbook at www.scharbachs.com. Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel, Quincy, WA is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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