Betty Joan (Montgomery) Woods

Betty Joan Woods, age 78 of Osceola passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.  Betty was born August 1, 1941 in Florence, Alabama to the late Alvin and Kathleen Montgomery.

Surviving is her husband James C. Woods, their son, Jamie C. (Margaret)Woods of Osceola, her brother, Mike (Lisa)Montgomery and her sister, Sheila (Gilbert) Paulk, both of Florence, Alabama. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Madison, Jillian, Avery, Ezekiel and Piper. Mrs. Woods was preceded in death by many people in Florence, Alabama including her parents, Alvin and Kathleen Montgomery, two Brothers, Jimmy and Danny Montgomery, two sisters, Brenda Irons and Faye Malone; and two other brothers who died during infancy.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am-1:00 pm Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Following visitation, the immediate family is invited to gather for a graveside remembrance service at the Indiana Historical California Road Cemetery in Elkhart where Joan will be laid to rest.

Joan was a homemaker for most of her life but later worked at Kroger in Mishawaka part-time for several years after devoting her life selflessly to the care of her husband and son.  In 1996, she and James returned to Florence, Alabama where she worked part time in production at Tee-Jays manufacturing.  While living in Alabama, Joan enjoyed taking trips with her sister-in-law, Sandy, other relatives and friends throughout the US and internationally. She was also able to be with and care for her mother and siblings that suffered from illness during her time in Alabama. In 2014 as dementia began to take hold of her, she and James moved back to Osceola to be closer to their family.

In her spare time, Betty enjoyed cooking, gardening, and canning fresh vegetables.  She will be remembered fondly for her homemade jars of jelly, especially her blackberry jelly which was her specialty; even though she would cater to the taste buds of her "Yankee" daughter-in-law by making her plum Jelly.  She also valued education and made sure that her son had every educational resource and opportunity.  Most of all, Betty loved her husband, son and grandchildren.  Her sacrificial love for her family is something that will be cherished long after her passing.  She will be remembered for the love she shared with each of them and the legacy that leaves behind will stand for generations. She was a true, formal Southern lady in every aspect.

In memory of Betty J. Woods, memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Church of Niles, Michigan.  To light a virtual candle, view Betty's memorial tribute video, or leave condolences for the Woods family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.