GOODYEAR

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Prudence Louise “Prudy” (Smith) Goodyear, who died peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on October 5, 1952, in Springfield, Ohio, Prudy was a daughter of Raymond B. Smith and Amy (Wolfe) Smith. A proud graduate of London High School in the class of 1971, she was honored the title of Winter Princess, which she held dear to her heart. Prudy was a lifelong fixture in the London community. She dedicated many years to Madison County Department of Job and Family Services, where she served until her retirement.

Prudy was known for her kindness and honesty. Her faith was strong and steadfast throughout her life. A former member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, she later joined the First Presbyterian Church of London. She found immense peace in worship and in her church life. She proudly served her churches by lending her voice to the church choirs, serving as a deacon, teaching Sunday School, being a leader at Vacation Bible School and serving on various committees.

Prudy found joy living in her childhood home, often found on her porch swing, in her yard, feeding the birds, tending to her garden or in the kitchen. She was an amazing cook and was ever nurturing. She was always ready with a bundt cake, a cheese ball, or cinnamon rolls. She even had several award-winning apple pies to her name. Holidays were always special, as Prudy took great care in decorating and creating the magic of every season in her home, which was a gathering place with love, laughter and music.

Above all else, Prudy’s world revolved around her family. Near or far, she was ever present and there to lend an ear, give hugs, love and support. Prudy shared in making a lifetime of happy memories and traditions, which will be celebrated and carried on by those blessed to be her family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory include her husband, Philip Goodyear; daughters Heidi (Hugh B. Showe II) Koch-Showe and Molly (Liam) Gruzs; stepdaughter Gretchen (Josh) Peters, stepsons Matt (Erica) Goodyear and Ben Goodyear; grandchildren: Victoria Showe, Norah, Charlie, and Matilda Gruzs, Aiden McCoy, Jacey, and Bryce Peters, Claire Van Horn, Sienna and Katlyn Goodyear; brothers David and Dennis (Carmia) Smith, sisters Noel Bigham and Claudia (Marty) Saperstein; several nieces, nephews, and many very dear friends. Prudy is also survived by her mother-in-law Nora Jean Koch, sister-in-law Sandy Rodabaugh, and the father of her daughters, Stephen B. Koch.

Prudy was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Amy; infant son Jacob Nathaniel; nephew Gregory Smith; father-in-law Charles Koch, parents-in-law Clyde and Jodi Goodyear; brothers-in-law David Goodyear and Bruce Bigham, sisters-in-law Lula Vandiver and Brenda Smith.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the First Presbyterian Church of London, 211 Garfield Avenue, London, Ohio 43140. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the church beginning at 11:00 AM with Pastor Désirée M. Youngblood and Pastor Steve Waters officiating. Interment will follow in Kirkwood Cemetery.

Memorials in Prudy’s name may be sent to benefit the London Firefighters Toy Fund in conjunction with The Madison County Department of Job and Family Services - Hope 4 the Holidays at 103 East High Street, London, Ohio 43140 or to The Glioblastoma Research Organization online at https://www.gbmresearch.org/.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, where condolences for the family may be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.