Belle Howard

Belle Marie Christensen Woodward

September 22, 1930, to December 20, 2025

Belle Marie Woodward passed away on December 20, 2025. She was 95 years old, but she was always young at heart.

Belle led a carefree existence in her childhood. The youngest daughter of 6 kids, her older sisters and brother doted on her, and the six children formed a tight-knit group who found fun and humor despite difficult circumstances. As the daughter of a preacher, family life centered around the church and the parsonage, shaping the values that guided her throughout her life.

Belle graduated from Altona High School in upstate New York and went on to continue her education at Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts. It was there that she met Bob Woodward, who had recently returned to the States after serving in WWII. They were both smitten.

Bob and Belle were married in 1949, beginning 73 years of deep respect, admiration, and unwavering support for each other. Their devotion carried them through numerous health challenges, including polio and cancer.

The young couple left New York for an adventure out West where Bob finished his college degree at Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho. Three little girls arrived during this time, and Belle doted on them much the same way her siblings had doted on her. Kathy, Jackie, and Kristie became Belle's life.

Once Bob joined the faculty at Northwest Nazarene College, Belle was able to take classes there for free! She was smart, hard-working, and a perfectionist, and she graduated magna cum laude in her NNC graduating class in 1960 with a degree in elementary education.

Belle began teaching in 1960 with a fourth-grade class in Springfield, Oregon while Bob was pursuing his doctorate at the University of Oregon.

After moving back to Nampa in 1962, she taught various grades at the primary level while earning a master's degree in elementary reading and an administrative degree. Eventually, Belle became a Title One/resource teacher developing an exemplary remedial reading program that was used as a model for many schools in the valley. Twice in her career she was selected Teacher of the Year for the Nampa School District. Her brilliance with kids, whether it was her students or her grandkids, was her ability to create fun through games and activities while gently guiding and redirecting behavior when needed.

One of the words that would best describe Belle when she was at her best, would be playful. She liked to laugh, play games, be silly and have fun. Her daughters were very close, and she loved shopping trips with her girls that would usually include lunch and an afternoon TCBY frozen yogurt.

Her strong desire to create traditions for her growing family made for many wonderful holiday memories. Her children and grandchildren knew just what to expect upon arriving at her home for each occasion. She never let them down - from traditional foods to gifts and games– even in the details such as the annual Christmas popcorn balls and the homemade eggnog on Christmas Eve.

Belle loved being a grandmother. As the grandkids grew up, it was pure pleasure for Belle to watch any sport, musical or school performances in which they participated. Their accomplishments delighted her.

After retiring, Bob and Belle spent many years traveling together. They crossed the continent several times visiting friends and relatives along the way. They also got to travel to Europe, visit the Panama Canal, and enjoy the warmth of Hawaii.

In 2013, they moved to Salmon Creek Retirement Living in Boise where they formed many friendships and enjoyed the community's amenities and beautiful surroundings. When Bob passed away in 2022, those friendships became a source of comfort and support as Belle adjusted to life on her own.

Belle endured chronic pain during the final decades of her life. Despite her struggles, her faith in God never wavered. She remained steadfast in her prayers for her family and found deep comfort in God's abiding love for her.

Belle is preceded in death by her husband Bob Woodward. She is survived by daughters Kathy Gagnon, Jackie Ecker (Bob), and Kristie Close (Dan). She is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family is planning a private memorial gathering to celebrate Belle's well-lived life.