Doris Woodward

Doris Woodward, 97, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph with Pastor Ronald Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church. Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Doris online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com  Doris was born July 18, 1916 in St. Joseph, MI to Emil & Nellie (Mollhagen) Totzke. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1935. Doris was employed by Cooper Wells, the Gas Company and Duerrs Dress Shop. On May 30, 1943 she married Earl Woodward in St. Joseph and together they had two daughters, Constance and Kay. She loved gardening, baking and antiquing but most of all she loved going to church even at Royalton Manor. Doris enjoyed having family and friends stop by for coffee and a little something sweet. She took great pride in her home, the family homestead where she lived most of her life. She was a Charter Member of Peace Lutheran Church and will be remembered for her love of family and her strong faith in the Lord.  Doris is survived by her daughter, Connie Byers of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Kelly (Brian) Nimtz, Jeff (Michelle) Byers and Ryan Bendoski (Jayme Surch); great grandchildren, Erica & Jamie Byers, Carter & Kelsey Nimtz and Grace Bendoski and several nieces and nephews; and the caring staff at Royalton Manor.  Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, daughter Kay Bendoski, granddaughter Kimberly Bendoski, son-in-laws James Bendoski and Donald Byers, sisters Florence Yack and Ruth Falkenstein, and brother Neal Totzke.