- Date Of Birth: April 5, 1927
- Date Of Death: October 6, 2018
- State: Iowa
Martha Jo (Pray) Woodard, 91, of Arnolds Park, passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2018, in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
Martha was born on April 5, 1927, in Fort Dodge, IA to Carl William and Velma Mae (Keith) Pray. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1945 and earned her Home Economics Degree from Iowa State University. She married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Ralph Woodard, on June 18th, 1950. They lived in Iowa City until 1954 when Ralph graduated from medical school. Martha and Ralph moved to Wayne County, Michigan for his medical internship. The couple later moved back to Iowa City so Ralph could complete a general surgical residency. They later moved the family to Fort Dodge where Ralph practiced general surgery for 36 years. Ralph always called Martha the ‘housewife extraordinaire’, raising 3 children and caring for both sets of grandparents in Fort Dodge. After Ralph retired, the couple moved to their home on West Lake Okoboji, where they enjoyed many treasured friendships. Martha and Ralph were sweethearts all their married life. Ralph preceded Martha in death on February 5, 2014. Martha was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake where she was involved in women’s groups and activities. Martha enjoyed golf, playing bridge, sewing, and socializing with her coffee group, exercise group, the Okoboji Summer Theater, the Pearson Art Center, and the Okoboji Yacht Club. She truly cherished her long-lasting relationships and friendships in the Iowa Great Lakes region as well as Fort Dodge, Iowa. Martha treasured the love of her family and supported her grandchildren in all their life adventures.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Dr. Debra (Edward) Leners of Arnolds Park, IA; MaryAnn (Don) Cousins of Orlando, FL, and Dr. Thomas (Darci) Woodard of Urbandale. IA; grandchildren Nevin (Sadie) Leners, Noah (Abby) Leners, Kyle Cousins, Kirk (Julie) Cousins, Dr. Karalyne (Reed) Blochberger, Jenna (Tom) Harmon) and Nick (Jordan) Woodard; great-grandchildren William Keith Leners, Knox Benton Leners, and Cooper Wesley Cousins.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers Tom and Louis Pray.
