Kleo was born on Feb. 25, 1940, in Scottsbluff, Neb., the daughter of Cleo A. Rodocker and Mary Elinor (Jolly) Rodocker.
Kleo was raised in Nebraska and Wyoming, graduating from Newcastle High School in Newcastle, Wyo. in 1957. She married and moved to Valdosta, Ga., where her daughter was born. Later she moved back to Newcastle, where her twin sons were born. For several years, she lived in Rangely, Colo., where she managed the Montgomery Ward store and was actively involved in the Rangely Jaycees, serving as an officer on several occasions.
Kleo also assisted her husband, Dr. Phillip Goforth, opening several chiropractic offices in New Mexico, Mississippi and Colorado, where she managed staff, welcomed patients and oversaw the successful operation of the business. Kleo spent a short time as a trainer and speaker for the Chiropractic Association of New Mexico.
In 1986, Kleo attended cosmetology school in Grand Junction, Colo., and planned to begin a new career, but a life-changing car accident prevented her from completing her dream. As part of her therapy following the car accident, she begin designing costume jewelry. She thoroughly enjoyed designing exquisite custom pieces, often traveling with her husband to art shows to sell her highly sought-after jewelry.
Once retired, Kleo moved to Mesquite, Nev., where she continued to design and sell her custom jewelry, began entertaining and having get-togethers for neighbors and friends. She was a great cook and loved baking favorites for family and friends.
Most importantly, Kleo loved her family, often spending her vacations visiting her children and enjoying the special events in her grandchildren’s lives.
Kleo is survived by: her husband, Dr. Phillip Goforth; her sister, Pat (Stuart) Childs; her daughter, Katreena (Jeff) of Glendale, Ariz.; her sons, Dr. Dirk (Carla) Hayes of Olathe, Kan., Dr. Doug (Cindi) Hayes of Broken Bow, Okla., and Dr. Darin (Francesca) Goforth of Albuquerque, N.M.; five granddaughters, Lindsay (Brandon) Rupp, Lesli (Heath) Green, Krysten Hayes, Kelli Hayes and Fiamma Goforth; two grandsons, Keaton (Kristy) Wood and Kalab (Shanon) Wood; and three great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Max and Lily. There are also a number of other relatives and close friends.
There will be a private service for immediate family members in Mesquite, Nev. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to Mesa View Hospice, 330 Falcon Ridge Parkway, Mesquite, Nev., 89027. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their “Guest Book” at www.virginvalleymortuary.com.
