Matthew J Goodson Memorial Fund

Since Matthew’s passing, we are now realizing the vastness of his network of friends as many have reached out to express their grief and support of our family. We decided to set up this fund so that those who had strong ties to Matthew would have the opportunity to contribute to his burial and daughter, Aria’s, future needs.

This memorial fund will cover expenses related to the passing of Matthew James Goodson. Any left over funds will be put toward his daughter, Aria’s, upbringing and education. Funds are being handled by myself (Alexandra Ruikis), Matthew’s sister as well as Matthew’s parents.

Below you will find Matthew’s Obituary:

Matthew James Goodson, born 03/05/1989, passed into eternal life on 12/25/2021 in Hopewell, Virginia, resulting from a car accident. Matthew's dearest partner, Oliver Arlo Rae Jordan, also perished in the crash. Matthew was born in Plainfield, Illinois, living in Hopewell, Virginia. He is survived by his daughter, Aria, of Midlothian, Virginia, father James J (Susan) Goodson, his mother Lee Ann (Brent) Goodson-Hassert, all of Plainfield, Illinois, his sister, Alexandra (Victor) Ruikis, niece Avery, of Lockport, Illinois, stepbrothers, Justin (Kathy) Hassert, Josh (Sarah) Hassert, nephews, Kyle, Colton, and Carson Hassert, niece Jena Hassert, and Grandmother Judith Somacal, stepsisters, Haley Dixon, Alexa (Mike) Hamby, niece Violet Hamby, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Proceeded in death by paternal grandparents, Robert and Catherine Goodson, maternal grandparents, Ross and Mary (Betty) Neal, and beloved uncles, Bruce Goodson and David Neal.

Matthew had unrelenting compassion for others who struggled to find their voice. He touched the lives of many and, through his outreach, found strength and purpose. He was excited to have started a new, adventuresome career working with renewable energy. He passionately loved and entertained his over one hundred cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews. His most precious blessing was his six-year-old daughter, Aria, whom he loved with all of his heart. Aria lives with her mother, Rebecca Phoenix, and is loved by Great Grandmother Patricia Frazer, Grandparents Mike and Rusty Phoenix, all of Chesterfield, Virginia, and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Services will be held in Chester, Virginia. Time and date to be announced.

A celebration of Matthew's life will be held at a future date in Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Go Fund Me page is appreciated for burial expenses, Aria's upbringing, and education.