Obituary of Ronice Goforth

Ronice Goforth, a devout follower of Christ passed away at age 56 in her home in Tacoma, WA on Oct. 19, 2020 after a 9 year battle with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her husband David, 4 daughters Tammy, Tabitha, Roxanne, and Rebecca, nephew Bret, 3 step children William, Jessica, and Rachel along with 3 siblings John, Leigh and Talea, 14 grandchildren, and a plethora of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins plus 5 cats. She is preceded by her parents Gary and Carol Strickler, Grandmother Cecile Hemer, and Nephew Gildardo Cruz Vera Strickler.

Ronice was born January 2, 1964 to Gary Strickler and Carol Hogan at Fort Lewis, Pierce County, Washington, USA. She graduated with a Master’s degree (MPA) in Tribal Ordinances and was preparing for her PHD when she was diagnosed in 2011 with ovarian cancer. With the support of her grandparents, she was blessed with the wonderful family above having been a single mother for many years until she married her high school sweetheart David after being reunited in 2007. She worked for the Puyallup Tribe of Indians for 30 years filling many roles the last being Director of thePuyallup Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO). She was a big advocate for employment  rights of Native Americans and domestic violence programs.

She loved Christmas, Disney, cats, vacationing and being a grandmother. She also displayed unconditional love toward everyone she met and brightened the lives of many cancer patients as a symbol of how to live well by enjoying every moment life has to offer. She will be deeply missed by family and friends from around the world.

She loved to travel by any means to any location. Ronice and David drove to 26 states in 26 days following completion of her first round of chemotherapy. Canada, Mexico, Europe, via planes, trains, automobiles and cruise ships were continually accomplished and planned for the future. It was in 2020 when three cruises, two family reunions and a 40 year high school reunion were cancelled, all theaters,
restaurants and nearly all forms of entertainment were closed due to COVID19 that her health began to rapidly fail.

David did not understand the term “Warrior” she was given by Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) until he witnessed her refusal to go quietly into the night. She fought for every moment life had to offer refusing to leave those she loved behind. The courage, determination and endurance she demonstrated confirmed she was nothing less than a warrior.

A Wake will be held Tuesday evening October 27, 2020 from 6-10 PM. Her funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday morning October 27, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Both events will be held at Chief Leschi School 5625 52nd, St. East, Puyallup, WA 98371 Burial service will follow at Cushman Cemetery and then a Celebration of Life dinner at Chief Leschi School. Flowers, donations and condolences may be offered at service or mailed to 3573 E. N St., Tacoma, WA 98404