Betsy Woodward was born on September 21, 1946 in Marion, Indiana. She was the only child of Beatrice “Beatty” (Duncan) Holloway and Ralph Pearson “Pete” Holloway. She grew up surrounded by a large and loving extended family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and was particularly close with her maternal grandmother, Anne Huffman. She moved with her parents to Streator, Illinois the summer before her freshman year of high school, and it was there that she met the love of her life, her husband, Tom, who she began dating at age 14 and to whom she was married for nearly 58 years.

Betsy graduated from Illinois State University in 1968 with a degree in Elementary Education, and she taught 1st grade for 7 years before leaving to become a full-time mom. She continued to volunteer with children as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Vacation Bible School volunteer, Girl Scout leader, youth group sponsor, school library volunteer, and many other ways. She was fiercely devoted to her daughter, Jody, and later to her grandchildren, Amiya and Asher.

Betsy was an extremely disciplined woman, and her family lovingly referred to her as “the rule follower.” She always did her best to do the right thing and to do things right. Betsy was loved by all who knew her, and she loved them in return. Betsy also loved animals and nature. She had so many pets throughout her life and also enjoyed her daughter’s pets. Betsy loved birding and flowers and walking along the beach near her home in Naples, collecting shells.Any soul who met Betsy, at some point in time, received a handwritten card from her—likely more than one. Betsy spent every Sunday afternoon writing cards to the many people in her life, sending more than 100 every single month. In fact, the thing you will hear most often when people talk about Betsy is “I loved getting cards from her!”

Betsy was a woman of strong faith, and she lived that faith every day of her life. She attempted to model Christ-like behavior in everything she did. She gave others the benefit of the doubt, even when they didn’t deserve it. She volunteered at the soup kitchen in her later years, even when it was physically difficult for her. Betsy sang in the church choir for 57 years. She volunteered with youth, she studied the Bible, she stayed in touch with homebound friends, she donated clothing and school supplies and hygiene items, and she did so much more.

Betsy was lucky to spend her life married to her best friend for nearly 58 years. Betsy and Tom shared their last 28 winters together in Naples, FL as snowbirds, returning to St. Louis in the spring each year, just in time to cheer on Betsy’s beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Betsy and Tom traveled the world together extensively, enjoying wonderful trips to Europe, Africa, Australia, and numerous locales throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Incredibly, Betsy was a 22-year survivor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. In the years between 2002 and 2004, she underwent two stem cell transplants, the second of which saved her life and allowed her to spend another two decades with her wonderful husband, attend her daughter’s doctoral graduation, see her daughter marry, meet her two grandchildren, and watch them grow up. Betsy could not and her family cannot sing the praises of Siteman Cancer Center highly enough for saving Betsy’s life.

Betsy was predeceased by her parents, Beatrice (Duncan) Holloway and Ralph Pearson Holloway. She is survived by her loving husband, Allen Thomas “Tom” Woodward, daughter, Jody (Amy) Woodward, grandchildren, Amiya Woodward and Asher Woodward, sister-in-law, Diana (late Don) Dean, niece, Debra (Matt) Costello, and nephew, Kevin (Tara) Dean.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Betsy’s memory, please consider making a donation to Siteman Cancer Center.

Visitation at Green Trails United Methodist Church, 14237 Ladue Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63017, Fri., July 17, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Service at 11 a.m.