Ann McCullers Goodnight

Ann McCullers Goodnight passed away on February 3, 2025 at peaceful De Un Amor in Corralitos, CA surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on November 2, 1935, in Anderson, IN, the daughter of the late Jasper Newton and Mary Elizabeth Goff McCullers.

Ann grew up nurtured by the love of her adoring family near and far. During her infancy-early childhood they lived in Wetumpka, AL to be near her beloved Big Mama & Daddy Jim and family business, then moved to be close with her Grandparents Goff in Pendleton IN, as well as to be near their family business which expanded and took them to Greenfield, IN. Ann was the older sister to two brothers, Jim and Butch. The 3 of them were involved in the family businesses and enjoyed time on their grandparents’ farm, where Ann loved caring for and riding her horse, Daisy. She had many great memories of gatherings with her large extended family. Ann graduated from Greenfield High School, where she was involved in band, drama and cheerleading. She attended Christian College for Women in Missouri, as well as Butler University in Indianapolis, where she was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University School of Medical Technology. She also worked at IU Medical Center during this time.  

Ann met the love of her life George Dorsey Goodnight Jr through his army buddy at a May dinner dance at Blue Ridge Inn Shelbyville IN, George proposed in August, they married October 5, 1958 and settled in Marion IN.

She worked as a Medical Technologist at the lab at Marion General Hospital.  Ann was very active in the community through P.E.O., Tri-Kappa, and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Ann was selected as Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1969 for outstanding achievements in community service, in religious and political activities, and in professional endeavors.

As the mother of four children, she led many of the groups her children were involved in. This included Cub Scouts, Webelos, Brownies, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and more.  She encouraged their growth through music, clubs, church activities, and sports.

Ann and George moved their family to Naples FL in 1979. They formed life-long friendships with their Lunch Bunch group.  Ann also continued her community involvement as a member, Deacon and Elder of The First Presbyterian Church of Naples, in addition to P.E.O. She also worked as a Medical Technologist and ultimately was a manager in the lab at Naples Community Hospital until her retirement in 1997, when she delved into genealogy research and continued volunteering with friends in various committees such as landscaping a butterfly garden at Steeplechase.

She is survived by her four children: Matthew (Kathy Ann), Fishers, IN; Mariann (Mark) Eichhorn, Aptos, CA; Marilyn (John) Haney, Raleigh, NC; and Michael (Wendy Ann), Phoenix, AZ; twelve grandchildren: Jacob (Shelby) Goodnight and Jennifer Ann Goodnight Cunliffe (Andrew); Kevin (Janelle), Brian George (Katy), Steven (Ashley), Sarah Ann and David Eichhorn; Margaret Dorsey, Arthur “Mac” McCullers, and Mariann Haney; and Joshua (Angie) and Megan Goodnight; six Great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Violet Goodnight; Emma and Hope Eichhorn; Melody Anna Eichhorn; and Callie Ann Cunliffe; brothers Ralph “Butch” (Betty Jo) of Pace, FL, and Jim (Nancy) McCullers of Lewisville, IN; along with a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George, her sister-in-law, Gloria Kamp Barnett, and her parents.

Her loves were family and friends, church, and music. Ann enjoyed cooking, sewing and crafting for family and friends. Ann poured out her heart of love into her family, friends and serving others.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:00am at Resurrection Church in Aptos, CA.  There will also be a celebration of life service at First Presbyterian Church, Naples, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Naples, or the charity of one’s choice.