Rita Gayle Woodward

Rita Gayle Woodward, age 73, went back to her Heavenly Father on Nov. 30, 2025. She slipped away peacefully in her bed at the University of Utah Hospital surrounded by her family after succumbing to the effects and complications of multiple strokes.

Rita was born on April 14, 1952 to Margie and Edward Opheikens. Rita grew up in Ogden and went to Bonneville High School. She started working for the IRS in her early 20s and worked till she retired around 60 years old. She also worked part time with kids in an assisted program at an elementary school to help them with homework and other needs.

She had a love of little children. Her favorite calling in the church was being in the Primary teaching the children. She always enjoyed when her nieces and nephews would come and visit her at home and loved to watch them play and learn.

Rita had a love of nature and enjoyed working in her yard. She also enjoyed crocheting and sewing clothing for herself and family members. She enjoyed spending time with her husband collecting stamps and making ceramics. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends. She was a great listener and would lend an ear to anyone that needed someone to listen. She also helped anyone that was in need any way that she could.

Rita is survived by her step son, Sean Woodward, younger sister and brother-in-law Debbie and Mike Foulger, niece Rosalie Rossiter, great-niece and nephew Rhianna and Brandon, brother Edward Opheikens, niece Cheyanne Opheikens, brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Ali Opheikens and two nephews, Elliott and Milo Opheikens. She also leaves many other friends and family members who will sadly miss her.

Rita was preceeded in death by her mother and father, Margie and Edward Opheikens, husband Aaron Woodward, and sister-in-law Trish Opheikens