Vera Woodard

Vera Lurene Woodard, 83, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Mercy West Medical Center.

Vera was born February 28, 1941 in Osceola, Iowa to her parents, Herman and Anna Mae (Crees) Heckathorn. She graduated from Leon High School in 1959 and then later earned a certificate for Cosmetology on July 14, 1960 from the American Academy of Beauty. Vera worked at the Leon Theater while she was in High School and enjoyed cutting her families hair. She then worked for General United Insurance for many years in the mailroom and then retired from City Supply Corporation.

Vera spent a lot of time at the racetrack with her husband and family. She also loved making ceramics. Vera was not a big sports fan. However, once she saw Patrick Mahomes play she was instantly a Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Vera was ornery and feisty! She loved everyone she came to know. Vera was called mom to many because she always adopted her kids’ friends, nieces, and nephews as her own. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Vera always had stories to tell about growing up on the farm. Stories about her pet cow, Betty and getting locked in the outhouse by her brother Bob. That was until she locked Bob in the outhouse one time and forgot about him. He never locked Vera in after that!

She is survived by children, Glenn “Bud” (Cindy) Woodard Jr. and Konni Woodard; one granddaughter; two great granddaughters; sister, Viola Stowers; sisters-in-law, Crystal Woodard and Kathy Murray; brother-in-law, Robert Woodard; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Vera is preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Woodard; son, Kenneth “Kenny” Woodard; parents; brother, Bob Heckathorn; brothers-in-law, Dave Stowers, Leonard Woodard, and Richard Woodard; sisters-in-law, Joyce Krug, Linda Cornell and Sandi Woodard; and nephew, Mike Woodard.

Family will greet friends Friday, April 19, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Please wear purple in honor of Vera’s favorite color.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in loving memory of Vera Woodard.

Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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