Yvonne Caroline Woodard (née Rutzler), a devoted wife, loving mother, accomplished real estate agent, and lifelong watercolor artist, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at Juniper Village in Chatham, New Jersey. She was 95 years old.
Yvonne was born in Newark, New Jersey, on July 18, 1930, to Charles and Eleanor Rutzler. Her family later moved to New Providence and then Summit, where she attended high school. She continued her education at Centenary Junior College in Hackettstown, N.J., where she majored in Fine Arts and Business, and furthered her artistic pursuits at the prestigious Art Students League, studying drawing.
It was during their time at Summit High School that Yvonne met the love of her life, Spencer L. Woodard. Yvonne had recently enrolled in Summit High School and she took the initiative to invite Spencer to a Sadie Hawkins dance. Even though they did not know each other, Spencer accepted the invitation which led to a lasting union of 74 years, marrying on August 25, 1951, in Summit. Yvonne was always proud of her bold decision. Following their wedding, they spent two years in Clemson, South Carolina, while Spencer completed his degree at Clemson University. In 1954, they returned to New Jersey, settling first in Florham Park and later in Summit to raise their family and pursue their careers.
Yvonne was a passionate and successful professional. She earned her real estate license in 1968 and became a highly respected agent, working for the Burgdorff and Woodward agencies. Known for her expertise, she was a frequent top-selling agent of significant properties, retaining her license and listing properties well into her 80s. She also dedicated her time to her profession by serving on the Grievance, Professional Standards, and Membership Committees of the Summit Board of Realtors.
Beyond her career, Yvonne was a serious and talented watercolor artist. She was an active and contributing member of the Summit Art Center (now the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey), where she studied and exhibited her work. Her beautiful pieces, concentrating on landscapes, seascapes, and floral still lifes, were exhibited regionally, and she proudly held a membership in the New Jersey Watercolor Society. Yvonne was also actively involved in committee work and fundraising events for the Center.
Above all, Yvonne was a caring, devoted and loving woman. She is survived by her beloved husband, Spencer L. Woodard; her four children: Charles Woodard (Maggie Helck) of Massachusetts, Craig Woodard (Melanie Watson Woodard) of South Carolina, David Woodard (Terri Woodard) of New Jersey, and Elizabeth Vance Klohmann (Neil Klohmann) of New York.
She also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Tyler Vance, Jonathan Vance, Kelsey Melucci, Nicole Summerside, Kelly Boardman, and Scott Woodard. She was predeceased by her grandchild, Dylan Vance. Yvonne's legacy continues through her twelve beloved great-grandchildren.
In her 80s, Yvonne embraced the digital age, teaching herself how to use a computer to remain connected with her wide circle of family and friends despite increasing mobility constraints. She will be remembered as a warm, caring, and vibrant individual whose presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A gathering in remembrance will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations in her memory be made to the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, N.J. 07901; https://www.artcenternj.org/support/donate
Yvonne was born in Newark, New Jersey, on July 18, 1930, to Charles and Eleanor Rutzler. Her family later moved to New Providence and then Summit, where she attended high school. She continued her education at Centenary Junior College in Hackettstown, N.J., where she majored in Fine Arts and Business, and furthered her artistic pursuits at the prestigious Art Students League, studying drawing.
It was during their time at Summit High School that Yvonne met the love of her life, Spencer L. Woodard. Yvonne had recently enrolled in Summit High School and she took the initiative to invite Spencer to a Sadie Hawkins dance. Even though they did not know each other, Spencer accepted the invitation which led to a lasting union of 74 years, marrying on August 25, 1951, in Summit. Yvonne was always proud of her bold decision. Following their wedding, they spent two years in Clemson, South Carolina, while Spencer completed his degree at Clemson University. In 1954, they returned to New Jersey, settling first in Florham Park and later in Summit to raise their family and pursue their careers.
Yvonne was a passionate and successful professional. She earned her real estate license in 1968 and became a highly respected agent, working for the Burgdorff and Woodward agencies. Known for her expertise, she was a frequent top-selling agent of significant properties, retaining her license and listing properties well into her 80s. She also dedicated her time to her profession by serving on the Grievance, Professional Standards, and Membership Committees of the Summit Board of Realtors.
Beyond her career, Yvonne was a serious and talented watercolor artist. She was an active and contributing member of the Summit Art Center (now the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey), where she studied and exhibited her work. Her beautiful pieces, concentrating on landscapes, seascapes, and floral still lifes, were exhibited regionally, and she proudly held a membership in the New Jersey Watercolor Society. Yvonne was also actively involved in committee work and fundraising events for the Center.
Above all, Yvonne was a caring, devoted and loving woman. She is survived by her beloved husband, Spencer L. Woodard; her four children: Charles Woodard (Maggie Helck) of Massachusetts, Craig Woodard (Melanie Watson Woodard) of South Carolina, David Woodard (Terri Woodard) of New Jersey, and Elizabeth Vance Klohmann (Neil Klohmann) of New York.
She also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Tyler Vance, Jonathan Vance, Kelsey Melucci, Nicole Summerside, Kelly Boardman, and Scott Woodard. She was predeceased by her grandchild, Dylan Vance. Yvonne's legacy continues through her twelve beloved great-grandchildren.
In her 80s, Yvonne embraced the digital age, teaching herself how to use a computer to remain connected with her wide circle of family and friends despite increasing mobility constraints. She will be remembered as a warm, caring, and vibrant individual whose presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A gathering in remembrance will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations in her memory be made to the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, 68 Elm Street, Summit, N.J. 07901; https://www.artcenternj.org/support/donate
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