Janet Elaine McBride Goodwin was born on January 28, 1943, in Dale, Indiana, to Haskell and Thelma (Bissey) McBride. On August 12, 2025, at the age of 82, she was called home to her Lord.
Janet’s life was a testament to hard work, faith, and joy. She wore many hats throughout her years: X-ray technician, health department employee, restaurant owner, public servant, devoted housewife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. She was the proud owner of the Iron Kettle restaurant in Plainville, and later made history as the first woman elected to the Daviess County Council. Her leadership extended to serving as Chairman for former Senator Dan Coats and participating in numerous clubs and organizations—each one a reflection of her love for people and her drive to make a difference.
Her service touched nearly every corner of the community: Walk to Emmaus Community, the Washington Eastern Star #210, Plainville Lions Club, Plainville High School Alumni, Monday Afternoon Club, Arts and Flowers Garden Club, Bridge Club, Republican Women’s Club, Vincennes University Alumni, Habitat for Humanity, Extension Board, Chamber of Commerce, and the Daviess Community Hospital Auxiliary. She had also been a faithful member of Plainville Christian Church and Antioch Christian Church.
Her contributions earned her Woman of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and the J.P. Hagel Service Award. She was deeply devoted to her family, her God, her country, and to honoring and supporting the service men and women who protect it.
Outside of her accomplishments, Janet’s legacy shines brightest in her relationships. She loved deeply and unconditionally, grounded in unwavering faith. She was the life of the party, a lover of flowers, a keeper of traditions, a devoted sports fan who enjoyed attending as many events as she could, especially if her family was playing. She was an avid tennis player, where she played against the best of the best. She was a friend and mentor to everyone she encountered, young, old, and everyone in between. Her caring hands, bright smile, and giving heart touched every life she encountered.
Janet is survived by her children, Grant (Jenita) Goodwin and Jamie Goodwin Howard; grandchildren, Brittny Burkhardt, Brittani Howard, Jantzen Goodwin, Ericka Howard, Jenée (Tucker) Welton, Justin Goodwin, and Jaedon Goodwin; great-grandchildren, Taeven Latham, Kyler Waggoner, Omari Goodwin, and Maxwell Hooten; nephews, Ross (Crystal) McBride and Greg (Amber) McBride; and great-nieces, Amaya, Bella, Sydney, Claire, and Reese McBride. She was preceded in death by her parents, Haskell and Thelma (Bissey) McBride; brother, Robert McBride; and nephew, Jason Robert McBride.
Her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life with visitation on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home in Washington, Indiana. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Plainville Cemetery.
