Robert Derstine Godshall, 85, of Evergreen, PA was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 20, 2024 after a lengthy but brave battle with cancer.

Robert was born to Henry S. and Grace (Derstine) Godshall of Telford, PA on April 15, 1939 in their Salford Township home. He is survived by his devoted wife and childhood sweetheart, Betty Lou (Gross) Godshall, daughter of Hiram L. and Mary (Clemens) Gross of Kulpsville, PA. They were married on September 2, 1961 at Calvary Church, Souderton, PA and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. He is also survived by four highly blessed children and their spouses: Loralee & Galen Cassel of Quakertown, PA; Robert "Kevin" & Melinda Godshall of Wyalusing, PA; Timothy Godshall of Laceyville, PA; and Kristin & Joseph Stiles of Souderton, PA. He was an adored grandfather ("Bubba") of eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Joshua (Kim) Cassel and children: Levi, Taylor, and Makenna of Souderton, PA; Jessica (Brandon) King and children: Everett and Elijah of Apple Creek, OH; Jenessa Cassel of Quakertown PA; Robert "Robbie" Godshall and Megan Godshall of Wyalusing, PA; Katelyn Godshall of Laceyville, PA; Rebekah Stiles of Glenside, PA; and Isaac Stiles of Lititz, PA. He is also survived by a brother: Laverne (Linda) Godshall of Rustburg, VA; sisters: Gladys Smith of Washington, MI; Ruth Ann Derstein of Telford, PA; MaryLou Gehman of Lawrenceville, PA; sisters-in-law: Carol Gross, Souderton, PA; Patricia Alderfer, Houston, TX, Mary Lynne (Duane) Nice of Stillwater, PA; a brother-in-law: David (Linda) Gross, Souderton, PA as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law: Leon Alderfer of Houston, TX; Bud Gross of Souderton, PA; Wallace Derstein of Souderton, PA; Douglas Smith of Fairview, MI; and Grant Gehman of Lawrenceville, PA.

Robert was well known for being a diligent and enthusiastic worker. He began working on the Foreman farm at the age of ten, learning a very strong work ethic by doing the hard work of a hired farm hand. After completing tenth grade at Souderton High School, he immediately started full-time work in butter production at Clearview Farms in Harleysville. He then began working with his father at Derstine and Swartley in Souderton in the excavation/stone quarry industry. From 1960 to 1973, he worked at Hatfield Quality Meats in Hatfield, PA becoming highly skilled in all the operations of the harvest area. He fulfilled his lifetime dream of having his own small farm when he relocated his family to rural Bradford County where he enjoyed raising beef cattle and pigs on his property while tending large vegetable gardens. Robert was employed as a butcher/foreman at Taylor Beef in Wyalusing, PA from 1973-1995 and then worked at P&N Packing in Terrytown until he retired in 2004. During retirement, he began working part time at Bryan's Meats in East Smithfield. In 2013, he was recruited by Endless Mountains Health Systems in Montrose, PA as an orthopedic transportation aide where he enjoyed working side by side with his wife and developing friendships with the patients whom he served.

While living in the Souderton/Telford area, Robert was well known as a fast-pitch softball pitcher. Even though he was one of the few pitchers to lead his team in a victory against Eddie Feigner's "The King and His Court," the highlight of his pitching career was helping disabled children play Challenger baseball making sure each child was able to get a hit off of his pitching modified to their individual abilities. In addition to softball, Robert also enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, fishing, and metal detecting on vacations in Ocean City, NJ.

Of primary importance to Robert was his faith. During his years living in southeastern PA, he first attended Souderton Mennonite Church with his family before his parents joined with others to found Calvary Church of Souderton where he became a charter member. It was during these early years that he met his bride-to-be. After his family moved to New Albany, he became a member of the Evergreen Christian Church where he served as a deacon, commander of AWANA clubs, and Sunday School superintendent.

Robert never sought accolades or notoriety, but his family is most assured that as he entered into his eternal rest, he heard the words of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

A celebration of life service led by Pastor Michael Dodd will be held at Evergreen Christian Church, 23 Szemple Lane (off Wyalusing-New Albany Rd), New Albany, PA on Saturday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service. All attendees are invited to a luncheon held at the New Albany Fire Hall, 134 Main St., New Albany. A private interment will be held at the family's convenience.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the oncology staff at Guthrie Hospital and the Guthrie hospice nurses who all gave Robert excellent, loving care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Robert Godshall to the Evergreen Christian Church Missions Fund, 103 North Main St, New Albany, PA 18833 or to Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Rd, Towanda, PA 18848.

Arrangements were entrusted with the Sheldon Funeral Home, 155 Church St., Wyalusing, PA.

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHomes.com.