Lola Woods

On Friday, the 18th of February, 2011, the wonderful life of Iola Woods came to a peaceful end in Denver after a brief stay at Rose Memorial Hospital. Born in Wiley, CO, on April 10, 1927, Iola was the 3rd child of Albert and Savola Schroeder, the sister to Al Jr., Robert, and Jim, who predeceased her, and Jenny Crays of Dallas, Texas. The family moved to Las Animas, CO, in 1939, and she graduated from Bent County High School in 1945. She married Phillip ""Jack"" Woods on June 20th, 1946, and they had 3 children: Jacque Thaxton (Ken) of Las Animas, Ron Woods (Phyllis) of Sunland, CA, and Kevin Woods (Joy) of Lander, WY, who survive her. In Las Animas she worked for Jenkins Motor Co. and as personal secretary for lawyer Oakley Wade. She was also elected to serve as County Clerk and Recorder for Bent County. When her marriage ended in 1999, she moved to Denver where she found much joy in her involvement with Trinity Methodist Church and in the community at Windsor where she lived. At Windsor she was president of the Symphony Guild, a familiar friend at the swimming pool and an occasional golfer. A self-taught musician, she was the organist for many years at the Methodist Church in Las Animas, and brought comfort to many as she never turned down a request to serve in that capacity for weddings and funerals of acquaintances and strangers alike, a gift she continued to share while in Denver. In addition to her children, she is survived by 8 grandchildren: Kelly Davidson of Colo. Springs, Dr. Shad (Maggie) Thaxton of Chicago, IL, Ryann Crylen (Dr. Curtis) of Greeley, Luke (Celina) Thaxton of Tucson, AZ, Dylan and Eli Woods of Sunland, Ashdon Woods of Scottsdale, AZ, and Ashli Woods of Lander, 8 great grandchildren whom she doted on, and her ex-husband. A grandson, Whitney Woods, predeceased her in 2000. Her passing, sudden and unexpected, pales in comparison to her compassion and the love for life she freely shared. All who were fortunate to have been blessed by her presence will dearly miss her, but all find their lives immeasurably enriched by her unqualified love and joy she forever carries with her. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contribution may be made in Iola's name to either: The Music and Arts Ministry (TMAM) Trinity United Methodist Church 1820 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80202 Or First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund/Worship P.O. Box 186 Las Animas, Colorado 81040