Lydia E. Woods

Lydia Elizabeth (Marshall) Woods, 91, of Westby/Kendall died March 3, 2010. She had been a resident at Norseland Nursing Home since October 1, 2003. She was the youngest child born to Wm Harvey and Grace (Eastman) Marshall on December 10, 1918, in Valley, Wisconsin. She was united in marriage to Harold (Pat) Woods June 4, 1939. They farmed together first at Gillingham and then for 20 years south of Ontario at the foot of Wildcat Mountain State Park. In 1963 they sold the farm to the State and started a new career by owning and operating a hardware store in Kendall. She discovered a marvelous talent for mixing paint and artificial flower arranging. They worked side by side until Harolds death in 1986. In 1997, a stroke forced Lydia to leave Kendall and move to Bethany on Cass assisted living in La Crosse, and compression fractures in her back brought her to Norseland in Westby. Lydia was a wonderful cook and had the warm gift of hospitality. At age 70, she discovered her truly creative side with oil painting and was able to enjoy this new talent for nine years. Lydia will be remembered for her warm smile which she freely shared with everyone. Serving Jesus was the driving force in Lydias life. She was a long-standing member at Kendall EV Free Church and served in many capacities, such as organist, deaconess, and Sunday School teacher. Compassion, love of people and an outstanding work ethic are words that come to mind when thinking of her. In addition, Lydia was known for being remarkably generous, enjoyed trying new things, and had a delightfully quirky sense of language and humor. Phrases such as "kitty wanpus", "lauzy me!" and "child of immortal soapsuds!" peppered her speech. Lydia, Mom, Grandma, you were deeply loved and will be terribly missed. Survivors include a son Cecil (Minnie) of Coal Valley, Ill., Janet (John) Stewart of Winnebago, Ill., Lynette (John) Pacheco of Salt Lake City, Utah, Mary (Jerry) Gehle of Westby, WI., and Carole (Page) Brumley of Woodbury, Minn; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Leo Woods; sisters-in-law Norma (Dwight) Stuve and Carol Marshall. She was preceded in death by her husband; brothers Roy, Ray, and Hallie Marshall; sisters, Beaulah Marshall and Helen Woods; son-in-law Hosein Mansouri; and a great grandson, Dane Gehle. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby with burial in Forest - Burr Cemetery, rural Hillsboro. Pastor Robert Waschek will officiate. Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street, (hwy 14) in Westby and at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.