Kenneth C. Woodward

Lansing, Michigan

Kenneth Charles Woodward died peacefully on October 20, 2016, at the age of 87.  He was born April 6, 1929, in Carleton, MI, to Andrew and Marian Woodward.  After graduating from Clinton High School in 1947, he attended Adrian College for 2 years and then served 2 years in the United States Army including 16 months in Germany.  He received a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate from Michigan State University and a master’s in Education from Western Michigan University.   He had a teaching career at Otto Jr. High in Lansing, retiring in 1985.

Ken married Martha Hayden at Tecumseh Friends Church on August 4, 1956. This year they celebrated their 60th anniversary.  Ken was a member at the University United Methodist Church.  Ken and Martha enjoyed many years singing together in various choirs.  He was an avid sports fan and was known for his loyalty to the MSU Spartans, Detroit Tigers and Lions, win or lose.  He enjoyed playing chess and cribbage with his grandchildren and friends and was always up for a game of euchre.  Ken’s family and friends were most important to him and he was always interested in and loyal to everyone who came along his path.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Martha Hayden Woodward; sons, Kenneth Jr. (Kathie), Thomas (Sabrina) and Stephen (Carlotta); daughter, Jane Harrington; brothers, Harry and Jerry (Carol) of California and Art (Jan) of Colorado; sister, Diane (Hal) Buttrell of Washington; brothers-in-law, Bill Hayden (Lenore), John Hayden (Linda) and Kenyon Sprunger (Mary); sisters-in-law, Delores Woodward, Mary Jane Wells and Mickey Spreeman (Lee); grandchildren: Dustin, Crystal, Brian (Lisa), Andrea (Marc), Michael (Marla), Chelsey, Jacob, Gregory IV, John and Nick; great-grandchildren, Kinsley Woodward and Hudson Martineau; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Woodward; daughter-in-law, Cathy Woodward; son-in-law, Dr. Gregory Harrington III; grandson, Ryan Woodward; sisters-in-law, Nell Woodward and Betty Sprunger; brothers-in-law, Joseph Hayden and Ronald Wells; and nephew, Phillip Hayden.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at University United Methodist Church in East Lansing.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University United Methodist Church, the Lansing City Rescue Mission, or Eaton Community Palliative Care.

 

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6 Messages to “Kenneth C. Woodward

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Roger (Mike) & Judy Halley
October 23, 2016 at 5:18 pm

Dear Martha and family:

We have good memories, dating back to our days in Clinton, Tecumseh, Onsted, Lansing, East Lansing, Haslett and Okemos.
Several dinners, some lunches and ,of course, the B K experiences.

Condolences,
Roger (Mike) & Judy

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Mary Lou Klemm
October 25, 2016 at 8:02 am

Dear Martha, What a wonderful life you had. And a 60th wedding anniversary is surely a blessing. One of the most difficult tasks in life is parting with the physical presence of a loved one. Ken’s spirit will always live with you, and your many happy memories will help you. May God give you comfort and courage for the days ahead. Heaven sounds so wonderful and Ken will be at peace there. Love, Mary Lou Klemm

(Marla and Michael’s grandmother) 4BPp

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Kathy Dykman
October 26, 2016 at 8:14 am

Martha and family, So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. May God’s love bring you comfort and peace and your memories bring you smiles.
With sympathy, Kathy

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Sharon and Jim Mauro
October 26, 2016 at 9:32 am

Dear Steve and Carla,

Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Please also let your Mom and the rest of your family know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Your father had a very full life and was very blessed with the people surrounding him.

Hugs to all,
Sharon and Jim Mauro

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Rebecca & Donald Jost
October 27, 2016 at 5:00 pm

Dear Martha, Tom & all the family,
It was a privilege for me to know Ken. He was wonderful to my mother & step-father as they entered their declining years. Ken and you, Tom, were willing to take my step-dad to play golf and I’m sure there was an apres-game Frosty from Wendy’s quite often! Thank you to all the Woodward family for allowing him to be a good friend to my family. Martha, I look forward to visiting with you =. It is good to know Ken is home with our Savior. ~ Becky

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Marty and Dan Schooley
November 6, 2016 at 6:08 pm

Dear Martha and family, We have so many good memories with your family. You and Ken always made us feel welcome at your gatherings. Ken had the gift of making everyone he came in contact with feel important as he always listened intently and asked lots of questions. We are blessed to have known Ken. Thank you for sharing such a great man with us. Are thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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