We are sad to announce the passing of Alma Lee Gooch.
May 13, 1942 ~ May 12 2021

The day we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity. ~Seneca
Alma Lee Gooch (White) of Colorado Springs, passed away at home with loving care from her daughter and granddaughter on May 12, 2021.  Alma Lee, fondly known as “Mama Gooch” was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Louise Balliet and Homer White on May 13, 1942.  She married Billy Eugene Gooch in 1958 and graduated from Stroud High School in 1960.  In Oklahoma, the couple had three children, then in 1970 relocated to Colorado Springs, CO where Billy was a printer for the Colorado Springs Sun newspaper.  Alma worked full time, raised their children and developed many pastimes.  She was an enthusiastic fan of her children’s sports activities and could be spotted along sidelines with hand-painted signs and cowbells cheering loudly for the Manitou High Mustangs.  She enjoyed skiing, gardening, flower arranging, landscaping, yard sale finds and kept collections ranging from beanie babies to vintage Christmas memorabilia.  Among her proudest moments was celebrating her and Billy’s 50th wedding anniversary, attended by a large gathering of family and friends in 2008.
The couple founded Naturally Santa Inc. in 1993, featuring handmade workshop costuming, a strict code of ethics, extensive training, and placement of hand-picked Santas with real beards and bellies.  At one time, Mama and Billy Gooch contracted over 60 santas in malls nationwide.  In 2010, Billy was the official Santa at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Besides traveling with Billy wherever business took them, Alma served as CEO of Naturally Santa Inc. until 2017.

Mama Gooch is preceded in death by son, Bill Jr. and husband, Billy. Left to mourn her passing are daughters Chantel LeAn and Peggy Sue; grandchildren, Ashley Troughton and Billy Gooch III; sister Phyllis White; and Alma’s loyal canine companion, Lexi.

Per Alma’s wishes cremation will take place and no public services are being held at this time.  The Gooch family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to the many who knew and