Beverly Ann Woodford

Beverly Ann Woodford

Rancho Mirage - On December 29, 2020, Beverly Ann Woodford passed away peacefully at her home in Rancho Mirage, CA. Beverly died with her daughter Melinda Champagne and her sister Martha Carruth by her side. In the days preceding her passing she was surrounded by family, her grandchildren and great grandchildren and her son Tim Woodford was able to be present with the family each day through FaceTime.

Beverly was born in Fresno, California in 1933 to Alta Cornelia (Swob) and William T. O'Rear. She graduated from Fresno High School in 1951 and then attended Woodbury College where she studied fashion and merchandising. It was at Woodbury that she met her future husband Joseph Woodford. They were married August 20, 1955 and lived most of their married life in Southern California moving to Rancho Mirage in the 90's.

If you met Beverly you immediately wished to be her friend. She was fun, sweet and very kind-hearted. She made friends wherever she went. Beverly was a regular at her Fit Over 50 exercise class, she enjoyed playing canasta, and she loved to shop and have lunch or coffee out with friends. Her days were often filled with calls from neighbors and friends from the past as well as the present.

Melinda expressed with humor and love Beverly's influence on her:

"She gave me the confidence to walk into a room with my head held high even when I was scared. We laughed and I appreciate now that as a young woman she had me go to etiquette classes, had my colors and makeup done and taught me how to shop like a pro."

From the time her children went to school Beverly volunteered countless hours in their schools and in the community. That generosity continued in Rancho Mirage where she actively welcomed newcomers and was president of the Newcomers Club and the Homeowners Association. She was always there when a friend or neighbor was in need.

Beverly will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Beverly was predeceased by her husband Joe in 2003 after 48 years of marriage. She is survived by her son Tim Woodford and his wife and their two children Tim and Bonnie Woodford of Vermont; her daughter Melinda Champagne of Rancho Mirage and her children Nicole Purdy, Austen Purdy and his wife Lauren and their two children Audrey and Dean all of Orange County; and her sister Martha Carruth of Carmel CA. and her children Kenton Carruth and Marlo Carruth.

The family wishes to thank Melinda Champagne and Nicole Purdy for the loving care she received during her last few months. A special thanks also goes to the wonderful Hospice caregivers from Desert Oasis.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in honor of Beverly Ann Woodford to a cause you care about.