Ruth M. Woodard

09/26/1934

08/29/2019

On Thursday evening, August 29th, 2019, Ruth Margaret (Gentleman) Woodard passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. She entered the presence of the Lord after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness.  Ruth was born on September 26th, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio. On May 5th,1956, she married Gordon Lee Woodard at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Grand Rapids.  Ruth and Gordy were blessed with 63 years of marriage, four wonderful children, nine adored grandchildren and one great grandson. She attended Marywood Academy and then graduated from Mercy Central School of Nursing in August of 1955 to become a Registered Nurse.  She worked as a Pediatric Nurse at Saint Mary’s Hospital before she began motherhood.  When her children became more independent, she returned to nursing at Villa Elizabeth Nursing Home as a Geriatric Nurse.  In her twenty years of devoted service at Villa Elizabeth, she touched the hearts of many patients and their families.  She concluded her work there as the Director of Nursing.  Ruth then went to work for the Grand Rapids Chapter of the American Red Cross as Director of Nursing Services.  This sparked a passion to help those impacted by natural disasters and she took several trips as a volunteer nurse to disaster relief sites within the United States.   Ruth’s Catholic faith was an integral component of her life and values. This was evident in the way she raised her children, served in the church community and in her profession. She was a devoted parishioner and school mother at St. Francis Xavier Parish and continued to live her faith at St. Robert of Newminster Parish as a Lay-Communicate.  Even during her time battling cancer, she volunteered to help grade school children at St. Thomas the Apostle.  She loved her family dearly and she had a kind and giving heart. She enjoyed Lake Michigan Grand Haven sunsets, camping, music, traveling, and spending time shopping Artisan Markets for hand made glassware, paintings and pottery. She adored flowers, especially when there was a fresh vase of them on the table. She cultivated a wonderful circle of friendships over the years and she always enjoyed a good time and a great joke.  She is survived by her loving husband Gordy, children; Brian (Lonnie) Woodard, Marie (Dan) Woodard- DeHoek, Michael Woodard and David (Linda) Woodard, grandchildren; Lauren (Brian) Guttersen, Brent Woodard, Brittany (Brent) Massingill, Tyler, Cameron, Nick, Leigha, Nicole and Olivia Woodard, and great grandson Griffin Guttersen. She is also survived by her brother John (Pat) Gentleman, sisters Mary (Ken) Bush, Margaret (Larry) Dugan, brother-in-law Vincent Gagliardi and many fond nieces and nephews.   Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Margaret Gentleman, brother Bill Gentleman, sister Susan Gagliardi and most recently by her daughter-in-law Diane Woodard.  Cremation has taken place and visitation will be Friday, September 13, 2019 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Rosary at 6:45pm at O’Brien Eggebeen Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 10:00am at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada MI 49301.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either St. Robert of Newminster Parish, The Grand Rapids Chapter of the American Red Cross or Emmanuel Hospice of Grand Rapids.  The Woodard family would like to thank the caring and giving professionals at Emmanuel Hospice of Grand Rapids, MI.

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4 Responses

  1. Dear Woodard and extended family. I was saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing. My heart goes out to your entire family in your time of sorrow. She was a wonderful lady. God bless you all with deep peace and lasting comfort.

  2. I am so sorry to hear this! Ruth was a wonderful person with a huge heart. I have many fond memories of our time together at the American Red Cross. She loved helping others and cared deeply for her family. You all have my deepest sympathy!

  3. It was a life well lived, she will be missed by so many of us. Love to Gordy and all of the family.

  4. I love you, Aunt Ruth!
    Rest In Peace.
    Love and prayers to Gordy, Brian, Marie, Michael, David & the rest of the family.

    Love,
    The Birdsell Family

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