Mrs. Helen Marie Woodward

Helen Marie Woodward of Hot Springs, Arkansas, formerly of East Peoria, Illinois was born July 26, 1951 and went to be with her Lord and Saviour who sustained her through her journey of life and her battle with cancer on February 27, 2012. She looked forward to being re-united with her father, Elmer Evatt Sr, brother Elmer Evatt Jr, her son Kelly Woodward and mother Eva Evatt. She is survived by her sweet heart of 44 years, Dennis Woodward; two brothers Carl and Loren Evatt; son Kevin Woodward wife April Woodward; daughters-in-law Angie Woodward, Ronda Woodward, Kama Sales; granddaughters Kaley Smith husband T.J. Smith, Krista Woodward, Kaylynn Mattson; grandsons Caleb Woodward, Brandon Sales; great-grandchildren T. L. Smith, Adriana Grace Smith, Emma Jones; nieces Melissa Evatt, Rachel Rodgers; nephew Jason Petri; one set of life-long friends Jerry Moore and Elaine Moore. Helen was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church for many years where she taught pre-school. She later joined Lake Hamilton Church of the Nazarene. She loved working with children and was her happiest when she was with her family. She considered children our greatest investment in our future. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Gross Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Horace Gray and Pastor Rick Funderburk officiating. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com