Louise S. Woodard

Louise Simmons Woodard passed away in Riverside, California on December 29, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Louise was born on June 30, 1922 in Buffalo, Missouri to Margaret Alford and James Simmons. She was the last surviving member of their nine children. The family moved to California when Louise was just three months old cradled on a pillow in the back of their Model T. She grew up in San Pedro and later moved to Riverside where she attended Poly High School, graduating in 1940. Later, while working at the Camp Anza army base in the Arlanza area of Riverside, she met and married her husband, Fred Woodard. Following Fred's service in WWII, the couple settled into their home, hand built by Fred, in the La Sierra area. Here the couple happily raised their six children and where Louise continued to reside for the next 68 years even after Fred preceded her in death in 2008. Louise is survived by her six children: Warren (Mary), David (Nancy), Claudia, Melanie (David), Bonnie (Bill) and Holly (Randy). She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild , as well as numerous extended family members. Our mom, affectionately called "Mimi" by her grandchildren, was the center of her family's many happy gatherings beginning with her children and extending outward and over the years until her home was fairly overflowing with laughter and family- especially during the holidays. This is what she loved best and cherished every single one of us and our time with her. Memories of her will forever live on in all of us. Services are scheduled as follows: January 10, viewing from 4-8pm, memorial service January 11, 11:00am Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Chapel Riverside, Ca. Burial will follow at Riverside National Cemetery, staging area 5 at 1:01pm In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Heifer International or a charity of your choice.