Obituaries

Monroe C. Good, 95

May 03, 2019

Monroe C. Good departed this world on May 3, 2019 to be greeted by friends and family who had ‘gone on before to prepare a place’. He was born March 13, 1924 in Goodville, PA the son of Monroe and Mary Crouse Good. His mother had always hoped to be a missionary but when she married a widower with three children, she had to forsake that dream, but she always hoped that one of her children would become a missionary. She was pleased when her eldest son, Monroe, accepted the call. He met his future wife, Ada Ziegler, at an Easter Sunday youth meeting in 1943 and they were married on June 2, 1945 while Monroe was serving as a noncombatant medic in the U.S. Navy.

Working on the family farm to help make ends meet made high school graduation impossible but with the support of Ada (teacher extraordinaire) he was able to get his GED and pursue higher education at Elizabethtown College and Bethany Seminary. Upon completion of his studies in 1952, he and Ada and their three children began life as missionaries with the Church of the Brethren in Northeastern Nigeria. During that time he was involved in a variety of activities ranging from church planting, road building, school construction, and more.

The family returned to the U.S. in 1964 and from 1965-1980, Monroe served as pastor of the Dundalk, MD Church of the Brethren. The church was very active in the community and Monroe was instrumental in the founding or development of several organizations such as the Dundalk Youth Services Center, the Family Crisis Center, Baltimore County Human Rights Commission, and others. A particularly innovative program was the youth “Ride Along with the Police” project that encouraged interaction between the police and youth of the community. Most of these programs continue today.

After spending four years as District Executive of the Middle PA district of the church, Monroe and Ada returned to Nigeria to work at Kulp Bible School from 1984-1989. Upon completion of that tour, Monroe and Ada returned to Lancaster County where Monroe, up until 2003, led yearly work camps to the EYN (Church of the Brethren) region of Nigeria. In “retirement” he served as mentor to local pastors and church programs, both in Lancaster and Nigeria, facilitated cross-cultural trips and experiences, and, when not looking for that next project to be involved in, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, both near and far. On occasion he was challenged to write poetry, most notable of which was “It Happens” which he wrote on Ada’s 57th birthday and was published in 1996 by the National Library of Poetry in The Rainbow’s End.

In addition to his wife Ada Monroe is survived by his children, Ronald Good and his wife Augusta of Elizabethtown, David Good and his wife Lois of Indiana, Deborah Gantz and her husband Larry of Holtwood, and Philip Good and his wife Kathy of Elizabethtown. Also surviving are sisters, Dorothy, wife of the late Sam Fasnacht, and Katherine, wife of the late Dean Keeney, and a brother, Rufus Good and his wife Janet. In addition to his parents, Monroe was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Belinda Good; brothers Lester Good and Harold Good; and sisters Arlene Dennis, Ethel Beck and Mary Kreider.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 10 at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Ave., Lancaster, PA. Visitation with the family will follow the service during a reception and greeting time in the Family Life Center of the church. Memorial contributions in Monroe’s memory may be offered to Emergency Disaster Fund, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 with checks earmarked Nigeria Crisis Fund.

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Condolences to the Family

June 02, 2019

This is Barbara Ramsey Wagoner. Phil, I will always remember Monroe and his wise guidance when I was on the district youth board when he was at Dundalk in the early 70’s. My father, Duane H Ramsey was the pastor of the Washington City Church of the Brethren and I always considered our fathers one of a kind; the epitome of what pastors should be. They were both truly called into the servanthood of ministry. Monroe will be missed by so many, but his legacy will live on in so many hearts. I am not sure if you would remember me, but I remember you and Belinda. Last fall, I heard of her death from Ken and Bonnie. I am truly sorry. My prayers are with your family.

June 02, 2019

I attended a Nigerian workcamp in January of 1991 led by Monroe. I was too “old” to attend the young adult camp so everyone came to me for “stuff” – chapstick, aspirin, etc. I brought along a supply of antibiotics and he used some when he didn’t feel well for several days. He also paid off people at the Kano airport when they tried to take my Nikon camera. He has been in my heart for all of these years and I did get to see him briefly at Annual Conference in Richmond several years ago – – when I burst into tears when I saw him. He made a difference in so many lives, including mine. I’m sorry to hear of Monroe’s passing but I’m better for knowing him.
Rhonda Bingman

May 30, 2019

Monroe was the youth advisor in Mid Atlantic when i was growing up. He was a wonderful mentor when i served on the district youth cabinent. I will never forget when he took us to Bridgewater College for Roundtable in the Dundalk Bus. Apparently, we were running a bit late and to make up some time, Monroe kept passing cars on the back roads of Virgina. The look on some of the faces of the drivers when they were passed by a bus was priceless. We arrived safe and on time and with a great story to tell! He was also a great friend to my Dad, who i know appreciated his friendship. Best wishes and sympathy—Don Rowe

May 10, 2019

Rev Monroe Good a great man of God assisted a great deal in the construction of the Church of the Brethern in Nigeria (EYN) Utako, Abuja and many other Churches and community related developmental projects in EYN including Monroe Good Bible College at Chinka in Kaduna State of Nigeria. I was opportuned to work closely with late Rev Good as his volunteer liasion officer in Nigeria when he was leading various groups of work campers from the US to Nigeria to assist EYN. Good the good man I used to fondly call him is indeed a very kind hearted man … a very good man. He had sponsored many pastors in Seminaries and gave various schorlaships to pastor’s children in Primary schools through high schools up to University Education in Nigeria, the list is endless. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace with the Lord , Amen .
Daniel D Dibal

May 09, 2019

May 9, 2019. I and my family was abundantly blessed during my years at Waka Schools, Biu, Nigeria 1972-1986, as we often met with Monroe for fellowship, prayers and family gatherings. Monroe was a unique man of God and a living witness to Christ’s Love and Light. Rev. Dr. Anet Satvedi

May 09, 2019

Sometime in the early 2000s Monroe and Ada stayed in my house in Kwarhi. On Thanksgiving Day, he and Ada made an entire meal (a turkey-tolotolo- purchased from the farm around the bend, veggies, and the memorable guava ice cream) while us batures just had a regular workday. We gathered that night for a grand feast that he had worked so hard on. We were all just shocked and pleased that he had spent the day making it happen. A few days later I found his short notes on the meal and I still have them today. Love ya, Monroe and I’m a better person knowing you.
Callie Surber

May 09, 2019

Monroe, may your heart be filled with what it most wants.
Ada, thank you for saving for me, at the work camp, the guava sauce. Such a numinous memory. In this time may you find peace.
Elizabeth Michael

May 09, 2019

Monroe Good inspired me a great deal as I grew in ministry and service as a young Nigerian pastor. Every visit to USA was made easier with Papa as guide and organiser. His incisive criticism of developments in the Church mixed with captivating laughter will always be missed. His humility and generosity will forever be cherished. Thank you papa for being GOOD. Good night
Amos Yohanna

May 09, 2019

It was Monroe who inspired me to serve in Nigeria for five years. He was, to many of us in my generation, the same inspiration as Desmond Bittinger was to his generation . . . the encourager and challenger to serve the church in Nigeria! Well done, good and faithful servant!
David Whitten

May 09, 2019

My memories of Monroe were formed when I was a child. I was 11 when Monroe and his family left the mission field. What I remember most is his smiling face and his laughter. He was often the driver to Hillcrest School and back. What adventures!
May your memories be a blessing and a comfort to each of you.
Kathryn Pfaltzgraff

Services: Wednesday, July 10, 2019; 1:00 PM; Lancaster Church of the Brethren; 1601 Sunset Ave.; Lancaster, PA
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