Gotelind Rademacher Holyfield, formerly of Roanoke, Virginia, was born January 16, 1920, to Oscar Rademacher and Florence Oldershausen Rademacher in the small town of Westboro, Wisconsin.
Gotelind grew up on a farm and her life paralleled the stories from "Little House in the Big Woods" in many ways. The stories she told of growing up milking the cows in the harsh cold of winter, harvesting hay with pitch forks and a wagon, and dealing with the pressures and consequences of the Great Depression explains a lot about the strength and tenacity that allowed her to live beyond being a centenarian. Her tales were many and brought both tears and laughter to those who were fortunate enough to spend time with her to hear them.
Gotelind graduated from Stevens Point Teachers College in Wisconsin and received her master's degree in education from the University of Virginia. She taught all ages from kindergarten to high school during her extensive career as an educator. She resided for most of her adult life in Moneta, Virginia, on Holyfield Lane.
Gotelind Holyfield is preceded in death by her husband, Less H. Holyfield and her only child, Donald A. Holyfield. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Vickie Holyfield, her dear friend and caretaker, Betty Flowers, dear friend Daniel Clayton, nephew Robert Rademacher of CA, niece Pamela McGonigal of IL, nephews Darrell Rademacher of FL and Dwayne Rademacher of WS and many friends who love her as their own family.
Graveside services will be held for immediate family and friends.