Barbara Woodward, 91, of Bronson, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
Barbara Louise Ermel was born on August, 24, 1933, to Ernest and Irene (Howerton) Ermel in Fort Scott, Kansas. She graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1951. After high school, she attended Fort Scott Junior College and worked at the Western Insurance Company. On September 22, 1957, she married Richard Woodward in the Xenia Baptist Church. In the early years as a mother, she stayed home with their four children. Later, she worked for Worthington Oil Company, Farmers Coop/Farmland Industries, ASCS Office and Beachner Grain. She was a member of Xenia Baptist Church, served on the Bronson Public Library Board, Southeast Kansas Health Department Board and was a Bronson Ruritan Club member. She was very active in the Bronson area recycling program and other community activities. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was known for her homemade pies.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Irene Ermel; her husband, Richard on December 22, 2024; and one sister, Carlene Rubicam.
She is survived by one son, Kevin Woodward and wife, Sherri, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; three daughters, Karen Woodward of Leavenworth, Kansas; Lisa Oehrle of Olathe, Kansas; and Lora Niles and husband, Ray of Carl Junction, Missouri; four grandchildren, Captain (Dr.) Brett Niles and wife, Zaina, Osan Air Base in South Korea; Katie and Kellie Woodward of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Kyle Oehrle of Andover, Kansas; one sister, Cheryl Stewart and husband, Ivy of Cypress, Texas; one brother, Fred Ermel of Moran, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery, Bronson, Kansas. The family will greet friends on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Bronson Ruritan Club and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
