Catherine S. Woodward

 

Catherine S. Woodward

 

May 25, 1927- November 15, 2014

 

Catherine S. Woodward (1927-2014)

On November 15, 2014, Catherine Stewart Woodward was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved dearly. She was 87 years young.  Born to Lyda Esther and Reuben Albert Stewart in Blanchard, Okla., on May 25, 1927, Katy attended the original Norman High School and then the University of Oklahoma as an Alpha Chi Omega. In 1949, she completed her Masters Degree in Music Education.  During her sophomore year, she met the love of her life, Tom. They married nearly two years later on June 6, 1949, and celebrated their 65th anniversary earlier this year.  During the 1950s, the family grew and moved several times around the country. By 1959, they were back in Oklahoma for good, and it was the start of a new era.

She taught music at Rockwood Elementary School, sang in the church choir, and, with Tom, hosted Bible studies and events across the state with the Billy Graham Association. She participated in OKC Hospitality Club, Music Club, Salvation Army Auxiliary for Women, Book Club, P.E.O., D.A.R., and Quest. Through it all, she was a loving wife, mother, teacher, and friend. She spread joy and hope to many in times of stress or despair, and she had many close friends that she loved to stay in touch with.  A direct descendant of the artist Frederic Remington, arts and crafts came naturally to her — everything from painting in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pen and ink. She also loved knitting special items for others. Later in her life, Katy and Tom made wooden crosses for the mission teams in their church, and many others as they shared the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In 1974, Katy and Tom started Woodward’s Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies, a local hobby shop that served generations of Oklahomans for 34 years from 1974-2008. In 1989, they added a real train to their toy train collection: they operated an excursion train service between Hugo, Oklahoma and Paris, Texas.  In addition to this work, she loved the bright wildflowers in her backyard and the scent of her rose garden. She followed OU girls basketball, OU and OSU football, and PGA tournaments. She played a mean hand of bridge, and in between Bridge Club, would play solitaire. Her banana bread recipe was world famous among her grandkids.   She was a faithful member of Crossings Community Church and worshiped weekly until her illness prevented her from attending.

She is survived by her husband Thomas L. Woodward of Oklahoma City; two sons, Thomas S. Woodward and his wife Jan of Edmond and Jim Woodward of Oklahoma City; four grandchildren, Josh Woodward and his wife Katie of Sunnyvale, California, Tyler Woodward and his wife Jenna of Norman, Jacey Woodward of Edmond, and Sarah Woodward of Westminster, Colorado; and her two favorite black labradors, Duke and Teal.

We are grateful for Dr. Chris Kerns, Dr. Richard Wood, and their wonderful staffs, as well as Crossroads Hospice, and Jessica, Irene, and Irma for their love, grace, and compassion.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service in the chapel of Crossings Community Church on Monday, November 24th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossings Community Church in loving memory of Katy.