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Carole Goodman Lashley, a lifelong beacon of faith, service, and spirited adventure, was born on February 22, 1935, and raised in Ohiowa, Nebraska. She passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, curiosity, and love. Her love of music emerged early—at just 14 she began playing piano for her church, a calling she joyfully fulfilled for the next 75 years. A dedicated United Methodist woman, Carole poured her heart into her church community. She taught Sunday school, organized Vacation Bible School and Christmas programs, served as District and local unit President of the United Methodist Women, and, of course, continued to grace worship with her music.

Carole’s commitment to community extended far beyond the church. A tireless volunteer and natural leader, she served in numerous roles including with the Palmyra Village Board, Palmyra OES Chapter 257, the Syracuse Economic Development organization, and the Syracuse golf league. Her generosity of spirit shined through in her volunteer work, including time with the hospital thrift store. She was honored as Volunteer of the Year at the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse—a recognition that reflected both her service and her heart.

For 32 years, Carole shaped young lives at Palmyra High School, where she served as a librarian, Spanish teacher, English teacher, golf coach, and accompanist for the school choir. She held a Master’s degree in History, a testament to her lifelong love of learning and scholarship. Her students, colleagues, and community remember her as a talented educator who gave fully of her time, creativity, and compassion.

Carole lived life with an adventurous spirit. Her husband, Warren, often teased that she had “gypsy blood,” and her life proved him right—she traveled the world and welcomed three exchange students into her home. Deeply committed to social justice, she once wrote letters to Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment and participated in the Nestlé boycott decades ago. She also found purpose in political engagement and was active in the Democratic Party.

A lover of beauty and nature, Carole especially treasured daffodils. In addition to tending her own abundant gardens and houseplants, she planted more than 200 daffodils on the bank behind her home, creating a springtime gift for all who passed by.

Above all, Carole was a devoted mother—the kind every child wishes they had. Ty, Teresa, and Tami were blessed with her unwavering love, support, friendship, and guidance throughout their lives.

Carole was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Warren Lashley, her parents Lester and Myrtle (Peterson) Goodman, her brothers, George Goodman, and Robert and Berna Dean Goodman, her in-laws Elva and Norm Vollertsen and Nate and Ilda Rodaway and her brother-in-law Lloyd Barkhust. She leaves behind her children Ty and Shelley Lashley, Teresa and Bruce Whitehead, Tami and Ronnie Ringland, her grandchildren and their families, Tobie and Zak Tempelmeyer, Carter and Lexi, Tara and Dusty Grau, Hudson and Lia, Drenda and Steve Stack, Tatum, Leighton and Oakley, Carrie and Seth Hellbusch, Evelynn, Lukas, Ryker and Mikah, Jesse Whitehead, Dalton and Lauralynn Ringland, Elliot and Nowy, and Dallas Ringland and Kristen Plowick, her sister-in-law Audrey Barkhust, extended family, and countless friends who were touched by her generous spirit.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Syracuse United Methodist Church on January 24th, with lunch following at the Duncan Building in Unadilla. The service will be livestreamed on the Fusselman Facebook page. Memorials may be directed to the Syracuse United Methodist Church.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 23rd from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Syracuse. An Eastern Star service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Carole leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, curiosity, and love. Her music, her gardens, and her example will continue to brighten the lives of all who knew her.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com