Carolyn “Callie” Clark Goodenough

A celebration of life for Carolyn “Callie” Clark Goodenough will be June 4 at 3pm at Camp Galilee in Glenbrook.

Callie died from Alzheimer’s complications on Jan. 9, 2017.

She was born on Aug. 27, 1938, in Albuquerque, N.M., to John and Nell Graham. She was the oldest of three children, and, according to her sister, the most mischievous.

The family moved around a bit, finally settling in Newport Beach. Callie earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from San Diego State University.

Callie married Phil Sutton in 1962 and had two children, Casey and Scot. She later married Ray Goodenough in 1974.

Callie left the busy city life of Southern California and moved to the beautiful mountains of Lake Tahoe. Once in Lake Tahoe, Callie and Ray founded the Sierra Council on Alcoholism. It was a residential facility where men and women struggling with alcoholism could go for camaraderie, strength, and support. Callie was extremely active in recovery in South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas.

In 1980, Callie and Ray were interested in fostering a child. That initial interest of theirs grew and developed into an idea for a group home called Tahoe Turning Point for adjudicated youth. Callie took on a new role as house mother. Callie and Ray offered them a stable environment, a chance to continue their education, and opportunities for outdoor adventure, travel, and lots of fishing.

Callie also worked in the elementary school system in the Primary Intervention Program. She worked one-on-one with children who were going through personal or educational struggles and also worked with teenagers at South Tahoe High School. She also worked for Choices, a local community program assisting mentally and physically challenged adults with general life needs and necessities.

Near and dear to Callie’s heart was her work with O.P.E.N. (Ordinary People meeting Extraordinary Needs). This nonprofit organization works tirelessly finding clients medical equipment, helping with medical co-payments, as well as transporting people to doctor’s appointments, many times spanning from all areas between Reno and San Francisco. Sometimes Callie was just there to listen, offer advice or a prayer and a shoulder to cry on.

Callie was named Soroptomist Woman of Distinction for her dedicated work in the community of South Lake Tahoe. In 2009, Callie and Ray were recognized as Distinguished Champions of the Disabled.

Callie is survived by her husband, Ray; sister Jenny (John) Parsons; daughter Casey (Craig) Watkins; son Scot Sutton; and  grandchildren Bailey, Haley, Wesley, Trevor, Parker and Riley; stepdaughter Kathy (Tom) Rem, and her bonus grandchildren, Sarah and Joshua Rem.

(Note: Carpooling to the service is recommended.)