Lois Woodard

Lois Theresa Woodard, 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and WWII veteran passed away February 6, 2017 at Ramsey Village in Des Moines.

Lois was born August 7, 1923 to Frank and Theresa (Tressie) Hobbs of Quinlan, Okla. She graduated from Waynoka, Oklahoma High School in 1941. In 1943 she joined the US Navy as a member of the Waves where she did basic training in New York City, then on to Ohio for coding training and finally to naval air station in Daytona Beach, Fla. It was in Daytona Beach where she met her husband of 58 years Russell Woodard. They were married in Medicine Lodge, Kan. on September 16, 1946. Russ worked for the CNW Railroad at the time so for the first couple of years they lived in Blair, Neb. and also near an Indian Reservation in N.D. before settling in Verdigre, Neb. where they were blessed with two daughters, Barbara and Beth. In 1965 the family moved to Jefferson, Iowa and settled in the house near Kelso Park for 50 years.

Lois worked for Greene County Hospital for 24 years as a housekeeper, physical therapy aide and also a long term nurse’s aide. She as an active member of the United Methodist Church. She enjoyed coffee dates with past co-workers, congregate meals with friends and helping out her friends with rides to various functions, meals, and doctor appointments. She was an avid gardener and catered to the birds, squirrels and the occasional deer or fox that wandered into their yard. She loved her family very much and was very proud of each one of the them.

Those left to remember her love and grace include her daughter, Beth Wright of Pleasant Hill; son-in law, Gary Horacek; sister-in-law, Virginia Welch of Denver; brother-in-law, Jim Woodard (Kay) Blair; her grandchildren: Melinda Long (Steve) of Waukee, Melissa Huisman of Pleasant Hill, Jessica Hodson (Daniel) of Winterset and Pamela Thomas (Les) of Denver, Colo.; step grand-children: Denise Tomas (Raheem) Omaha, Neb., Nick Horacek (April) of Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lois was also known as Granny to her great-grandchildren: Allan Wright (fiance Genna Humble), Nate Huisman, Madison Hodson, Kelcey Huisman, Megan Hodson, Nick Huisman, Abby Sherwood, Carson Huisman, Alexis Long, Alexander Long and Aaron Thomas; step great-grandchildren: Calon Horacek (Brandi), Cahron Tomas and Ci’Leayah Tomas; and step great-great-grandchildren: Shae’Lynn Horacek and Caeden Horacek.

Proceeding Lois in death were her parents, Frank and Theresa Hobbs; brothers: John, James and Forrest Hobbs; daughter, Barbara Horacek; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services were arranged by Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson and held at United Methodist Church. Burial was at Blair Cemetery in Blair, Neb.