Eldrus Ann Goetz

Eldrus Ann Goetz, 95, of Dafter, MI passed away Tuesday April 12, 2022 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Annie was born on March 29, 1927 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Russell Alger and Ursula J (Kennedy) Cryderman. Eldrus’ unique name was given to her after combining the name Eleanor, a friend of her mothers, and her father’s name Russ (since he wanted a boy).

She grew up on a farm in Dafter with her siblings. As a young woman, Annie moved to Lansing in the early 1940’s; working in restaurants and sharing an apartment with her cousin, Fern Cryderman. In the mid 40’s, she moved back to Sault Ste. Marie and began working at the Northwest Leather Company, “The Tannery”, where she met her future husband, James E. Goetz. On June 30, 1947 she and Jimmy Goetz were married at St Joseph’s Church in Sault, Michigan. A few years after they were married they bought the family farm in Dafter and together raised their six children. Jim sailed on the great lakes and Annie home with the kids. Over the years, Annie worked various jobs and always made the most of any situation. She was passionate about politics and the environment. She was a charter member and later office holder of Tricop, Tri-County Pollution Control. She was named “Democrat of the year” and shared the honor with her good friend Deloris Griggs. She had friends on both sides of the aisle. Annie enjoyed music, especially performed by her family, drawing, and writing poetry. She also enjoyed visiting with friends and family and playing games around the dining room table. She always had time for card games and aggravation, and especially “Donkey Kick,” her own version of aggravation with a very special friend Paul Warrick. She enjoyed time with her company. She had plenty of company because people were drawn to her cheerful personality and a great sense of humor. For many years, she was often called “Slip Mahoney” as she had a knack for using the wrong word. In her later years, she started her “Birthday Call List” and made it her mission to call and wish everyone on her list a Happy Birthday. Everyone she met was a friend.

She is survived by four children: David (“Davit,” as she called him) (Beverly) Goetz of Dafter, Terry (Marcia) Goetz of Sault, Deborah (George Barras) Ashetzie of Kincheloe, Darryl (Faith) Goetz of Sault, Michigan, and Honorary son Paul Warrick.

She is also survived by sisters Lillian Holt and Mary Cobb, both of Sault, MI. Brother-in-law James Conley. Sisters-in-laws Ruth Conley, Norma Pesti, Doreen Goetz, and Wilda Goetz. 11 grandchildren: Lisa (Ozro) Mattson-Smith, Terri Rosebohm, Beverly (Duncan) MacLaren, Leann (Ben) Smith, Rick (Tiffany) Escherich, Lynde (Brent) Blair, Jennifer Aschetzie, Joseph (Jennifer) Aschetzie, James (Andrea) Goetz, Christopher Goetz, and Jaclyn Goetz. 20 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a dear friend, Joan Savoie, who shared many laughs with Annie.

Annie was predeceased by her parents, Russell and Ursula Cryderman, husband James Goetz, daughter Diane Goetz, and son Larry Goetz. Sisters Gertrude LeHigh, Vallee Cryderman, Ethel Cottelit, Evelyn Cryderman, and Theresa Cryderman, and brothers Forrest and Russell Cryderman.

Visitation will be Monday April 25, 2022 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1101 Minneapolis St Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday April 25, 2022 at 3:00pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Romeo Cappella officiating. Final resting place will be Oaklawn Chapel Gardens.

Clark Hovie Galer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.