- Date Of Birth: October 24, 1931
- Date Of Death: June 26, 2015
- State: Idaho
Martha “Jean” Frahm Woods (forever 39) entered into eternal rest June 25, 2015. She was born October 24, 1931 in Boise, ID, the eldest of six children, to Theodore Roosevelt and Bonnie Mae (Gross) Frahm. At the age of six she moved to Gooding, ID and was raised by her two aunts, Ida and Florence Frahm, after living with her parents in Ontario, OR prior.
Jean graduated salutatorian from Gooding High in 1949. She attended the University of Idaho and graduated in 1954 with high honors earning two simultaneous Bachelor of Science degrees in Education and Home Economics. Jean was active in many college scholastic honors organizations including: Alpha Lambda Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, and Phi Upsilon Omicron. She was editor of Zeta chapter of CANDLE (PUO national magazine).
With her God-given intellect and cultivated work-ethic Jean could have done anything in life, but she chose the career path of becoming an educator like her beloved aunts who raised her, largely to allow her flexibility to be with her family which she prioritized above all else. Jean was a lifelong educator who truly loved teaching both in and out of the classroom, and her example, wisdom, and compassion touched countless lives. Over the course of her career Jean taught and influenced thousands of students. Her teaching resume included: fourth grade in Rapid City, SD (1954-55); junior high science in Lovelock, NV (1956-57) and Eagle, ID (1962-63); home economics, biology and chemistry in Richfield, ID (1957-59); and life science at Lake Hazel Middle School (1981-97). Jean was awarded Teacher of the Year at Lake Hazel Junior High (Meridian School District) in 1987. She also served as a dietician for the University of Idaho (1961-62), and was a market research analyst for various organizations including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (1977-80).
Jean achieved many educational and professional honors and was a member of multiple professional organizations including: American Association of University Women, National Science Teachers Association, Idaho Science Teachers Association and the Retired Educators Association. She was the Boise Home Economics treasurer in 1968 and president in 1969, a member of Boise Mothers of Twins, and Native Daughters of Idaho, and was a school volunteer for years. Jean was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and was listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Education. Jean was a parishioner of the Cathedral of the Rockies for over 50 years.
Jean married the love of her life, Lonnie “Lee” Woods June 24, 1951 in Gooding, ID. They would go on to make their home in Boise, ID and have three sons—Jeff Woods, and twin boys, Karl and Nick. Jean’s hard work, determination and loyalty were witnessed by her devotion as a caregiver and provider to her sons, friends and family, following the loss of her beloved husband on May 7, 1977.
Those who knew and loved Jean, knew her to be a fiercely loyal, unbelievably hard-working, witty and discerning woman who valued family and friends above all else. She highly valued intellectual curiosity, precision, intimate discussions and the exploration of truth in her world and beyond. Although her tenacity for serving others filled the majority of her hours, Jean did find moments to explore her other passions.
Jean is survived by her twin sons, Karl Woods and Nick Woods; daughter-in-law, CJ Woods; grandchildren, Jordankaty, Noah, Joan, Holden, Elise and Tova Woods; sisters, Micky Olsen, Mary Frahm, and Nancy Green (Dr. Gerald); and brother, Rod Frahm (Launa). She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie “Lee” Woods; son, Jeffrey “Jeff” Lee Woods; parents, Ted and Bonnie Frahm; aunts, Ida Frahm and Florence Frahm; sister, Kay Skeen; and brothers-in-law , Vard Olsen and Duane Skeen.
“To teach is to touch someone’s life forever.” –Author unknown.
