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Betty J. Woods
Betty Woods Obituary
Betty J. Woods, 95, of La Porte, Indiana, peacefully passed away on Nov. 5, 2025.
Betty was born May 4, 1930, to Frank and Hettie G. (Driver) Rakestraw in Lima, Ohio. She graduated from Lima Central High School in 1948 and attended Manchester College in Manchester, Indiana. It wasn't long before her college days ended because she met John R. Woods. They met at a skating rink in Lima, Ohio, and it was "love at first sight." They were married just two months and 10 days later. They had a joyous 73-plus year marriage.
Betty earned her real estate license in 1968 and her broker's license in 1973. She went into business with a friend to form Rardin-Woods Real Estate Agency in 1976. In 1980, Betty was elected Realtor of the Year by the La Porte Board of Realtors, and she held various board positions, including secretary/treasurer, vice-president and president.
Betty was passionate about her family, singing with the La Porte First United Methodist Church Choir and La Porte's Sweet Adelines Choir, drawing and painting with pastels and oil paints, and volunteering at the La Porte Hospital. She and John enjoyed many years spending the winters in Florida.
Betty was predeceased by her husband, John R Woods (1924 – 2023); and daughter, Laura Woods (1957 – age 18 months). She is survived by their four children, Robert (Jeanne) Woods, Richard (Lynda) Woods, Nancy (Lee) Archambeault and Linda (Steve) Dragos; five grandchildren, Sara, Levi, Jeff, Walt and Josh; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
A celebration of Betty's life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Betty Woods
4 Entries
Richard` Pate
November 9, 2025
My heart and prayers are with you and your family. It was an honor to know your mom for the years I did. She was always a kind soul.
Barb and Wally Hartman
November 8, 2025
We loved Betty and John. We met them in 1998 in Crystal River, Fl. We had many adventures camping with them for almost 20 years. They were wonderful people. Please accept our sympathy. Wally and Barb Hartman
Sally Bergman
November 8, 2025
I´m sorry to hear of Betty´s passing. I was able to know Betty through Real Estate at Liston Brown. She was such a sweet and kind woman. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Rose Marie Dure
November 7, 2025
Betty was such a dear, warm,caring member of the Channel Choir at La Porte FUMC. Her joy in singing shine in her face. She was an inspiration to me and a precious gift to all who knew her. She and John would stop to talk with me many Sundays after the worship service. My prayers and sympathy to all.
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