Emily "Janie" Wood

September 01, 1940 — March 20, 2026

Emily Wood

Service Details

Emily Jane “Janie” Wood was born on September 1, 1940, in Webb City, Missouri, to Alice and Ora Durham. She passed away on March 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to her family.

Janie married Billy Dean Wood in June 1956, and together they shared nearly 70 years of love, faith, and devotion to family. Though they experienced the heartbreaking loss of three infants before term, they were blessed with three surviving children: Mark Wood (Sarah), Marsha Martinez (Tim/Bryan), and Malinda Wheeler (Brent).

Janie’s faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of who she was. She found great joy in sharing her faith and living it out daily through kindness, compassion, and grace. She sang in the church choir and acted in church plays, joyfully expressing her faith through both worship and fellowship. She made each member of her family feel deeply loved, always taking time to be present and to build meaningful one-on-one connections.

Her family was the center of her life, and her love for them was boundless. She would have moved mountains to help those she loved. She was the foundation of her family—their steady rock and the wind beneath their wings.

Most of Janie’s working years were spent as a receptionist at The Iowa Foundation for Medical Care. She was still there when the organization merged with Encompass, and her presence made the transition far easier than it would have been without her. She kept the staff connected and cheerfully assisted doctors trying to reach the office, whether by patching them through or kindly putting them at ease while they waited. When visitors came in for meetings, Janie was the one they wanted to meet. Her stylish presence, beautiful smile, and bubbly personality drew many friends and admirers.

Janie showed her love by caring for others, especially through hospitality and food. She was always welcoming and often asked, “What can I get you?” She was especially famous for her Thanksgiving noodles, fried chicken, crab patties, chili, and cinnamon twist. Her home was a place of comfort, love, laughter, and togetherness.

She loved dancing, fishing, boating, playing games, going out to eat, or simply enjoying coffee and pie after a movie. She had a beautiful smile that could brighten any room, and wherever she went, she brought joy and laughter. She was loved by many dear friends and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her children, Mark Wood (Sarah), Marsha Martinez (Bryan), and Malinda Wheeler (Brent); her grandchildren, Emily and Mindy Martinez, Kate and Lucas Wheeler, Charlie Preuninger, and Isaac and Joseph Cutwright; her great-grandchildren, Landon and Madden Preuninger; her dear friends Sharon and Harlen Koenen, Nancy and Daniel Evans, and Shirley Hurley; and many lifelong friends who became like family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Billy Dean Wood; her sisters, Susie Gillham and Shirley Marshall; her stepsister, Mae Durham; and three infants lost before term, two of whom were Timothy Scott Wood and Billy Michael Wood.

Janie lived a beautiful and meaningful life, and her love will continue to shine through all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.