Patricia Woodard

Patricia J. Woodard, age 92, of Battle Creek, passed away on January 4, 2023, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after a brief illness. More affectionately (Pat) for all whom knew her.  She was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on June 21, 1930, to L. Arleith Walters (Young).  She was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek.  She graduated high school in 1948 from Lakeview High School, then went on to Western Michigan University where she received her bachelor’s degree in teaching and played on the Tennis team, graduating in 1952. Patricia was united in marriage to Gerald F. Woodard on June 21, 1952, until his death in 1989.  Pat worked at Mr Don’s restaurant at the counter for many years and was a friend to all those she met. She was a longtime member of Riverside Country Club where she played excellent golf, winning the club championship for women many times of which she was very proud.  Pat was an avid sports nut over the years enjoying both pro and college level of play.  She always knew the score of the game for any of the Detroit teams and was especially fond of her University of Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Tigers; Sadley she never got to see the lions in the Super Bowl. Pat was very good at bowling as well and bowled for many years on the Battle Creek Glass team and enjoyed her many trips to state and national bowling tournaments. She also very much enjoyed playing cards with friends and family.  Surviving are her two sons; Greg Woodard of Marshall, MI., and Jeff (Maryann) Woodard of Lansing, MI. She has four grandchildren: Meagan (Jeffrey) Garbade, Erin (Bob) Harshbarger, Kate Woodard and Josh Woodard. Pat also has four great grandchildren, Owen, Emerson, Bronson and Ethan. Pat was very proud of her family. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with a short service to follow at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to First Congregational Church on Capital Ave., or Habitat for Humanity. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org