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Barbara K. Woodruff
1934 - 2021
Barbara K. Woodruff
1934 - 2021
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Barbara Woodruff Obituary
Barbara K. Woodruff
Oct. 28, 1934 - Jan. 14, 2021
VALPARAISO, IN -
Barbara K. Woodruff, died January 14, 2021, at home with her family. She was born on October 28,1934 in South Bend, IN, the only child of the late Dr. Joseph E. and Marie (nee Turk) Lennon.
Barbara earned a B.S. degree from Indiana University in 1956 and an M.S. degree from Valparaiso University in 1971. She was married for 54 wonderful years to Kenneth Woodruff, who preceded her in death in May, 2010.
Barbara started the kindergarten program at Washington Township Schools (1964-1967) and was a kindergarten and first grade teacher with Valparaiso Community Schools (1968-1993). She was active in the Valparaiso Teachers' Association and was chairman of the committee that wrote the first master contract. Barbara was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church where she served as Lector and former vice president of the Parish Council. She was a member of Delta Gamma, Delta Theta Tau (philanthropic) and Delta Kappa Gamma (educational). Barb was a loyal friend who made everyone feel special. In everything, she showed kindness, patience and love. Her strength and grace inspired those fortunate enough to have known her.
Barbara is survived by children, James B. (Patricia) Woodruff of San Francisco, CA, Margo (John) Oglesby and Katherine (Robert) Magnetti of Valparaiso; six grandchildren, Jay (Alexa Avila) Oglesby of Gilbert, AZ, Meghan (Brett) Benedict of Chesterton, Mark (Sara Eichmeier) Oglesby of Alexandria, VA, Mia, Michael, and Mary Ellen Magnetti of Valparaiso; two great grandchildren, Clark and Cooper Benedict.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso. Rev. Douglas Mayer officiating. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on the YouTube channel, "St. Paul Catholic Community". Burial of Cremains with husband Ken will be at a later date at St. Paul Cemetery. Memorials may be made to VNA Hospice or Valparaiso Community Schools.
In accordance with the Porter County Health Department, social distancing and masks are required.
Arrangements made by DYKES FUNERAL HOME, INC. (219) 462-3125.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
B
January 13, 2024
Hard to imagine that it´s been 3 years already. Your light still shines bright, Barbara. Your memory is a blessing.
Heidi Szrom
January 29, 2021
I will be always grateful to St. Paul Church for the 2019 Lenten Prayer Group where I met Barbara and her kind and loyal friend, Phyllis, who wrote to tell me of Barbara's death.
Barbara was everything everyone here has said about her - probably as uniquely special to everyone whose lives she touched as she was to me.
I have the little glass bluebird she gave me and a voicemail from early December to remember her by - wasn't her voice beautiful? Like an angel's..
I deeply regret not finding out about about the memorial mass in time (my fault for hiding at work and home these days) but I will call the Church to find out the date of the graveside service in hopes of meeting some of her wonderful family - may God Bless You All for the care and honor you gave your mother and grandmother.
Sharon Ongert
January 27, 2021
My heart is heavy on learning of the passing of Barb. She not only inspired every student in her classroom, but was such an inspiration to everyone she touched. My children were blessed to be in her classroom at Northview, and I was blessed to have her guide me as a parent. She truly taught me how to teach my kids. She was an amazing educator and friend who made the world a better place. My sincere condolences to her family.
Matt Martin
January 24, 2021
The memory I have is seeing Mrs. Woodruff and her family at church and her always smiling and saying "Hi" to me and my family. You will be missed.
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Dan Gallagher
January 22, 2021
Thinking of you all with a heavy heart-Rest in Peace Mrs. Woodruff.
Trish Powell
January 21, 2021
Sadness fills my heart on losing my Delta Sister Barb. She was a beautiful person and a bright spirit. I know what a beautiful and loving family she has. My sincere heartfelt sympathy.
Carrie DeLaney
January 21, 2021
Your mother was an absolute angel to my mom. We were blessed to know her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Leslie Moulton nee Adams
January 20, 2021
Mrs. Woodruff was the kind of teacher you were grateful to have as your first educator. Her love of teaching was apparent, even to a six year old. Her beauty and love will always be remembered.
Peggy McGuckin
January 20, 2021
When I think of Barb I can see her eyes twinkling and her beautiful smile. What a lovely lady. Blessings to all of her family. Peggy
Mel Bohlmann
January 19, 2021
Barbara's passing comes only a month after sending me a personal note of condolence on the passing of mutual friend Carol.
Barbara's caring spirit I reflect now - to her loving family - with my sympathy.
Brenda and Rick Magnetti Erickson
January 19, 2021
Not every family has a role model like Barb Woodruff. She was an amazing parent, wife and teacher. And, we felt her joy and positive energy every time she entered the room. She made the world better.
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2305 North Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN 46385
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