Howard Elwin Woodard's Obituary
Howard Elwin Woodard, age 83, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023. He was born October 27, 1940 in Muskegon to Elwin and Lola (Feasel) Woodard. Howard graduated from Ravenna High School in 1959 and went on to study at Central Michigan University. For most of his life, he was a farmer, but he also worked for Roger’s Printing. On June 2, 1962, he married Anna Mae Arends in Conklin, MI and she preceded him in death on February 27, 2018. Howard was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and a long-time member of the Ravenna Lion’s Club. He loved spending time with friends and family and being outdoors. SURVIVORS include four children: Brad (Vicki) Woodard of Ravenna, Deborah (Joel) Johnson of New Boston, MI, Jill (Gary) Nutt of Ravenna, and Todd (Dina) Woodard of Norton Shores; eight grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Harold (Kay) Woodard of Ravenna; brothers-in-law: Tim Pearcy, Don (Pam) Arends, and Dan (Lynne) Arends; sisters-in-law: Nancy Arends, Carol Arends, and Kathy Arends; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Pearcy; and brothers-in-law: Bill, Mike, and Steve Arends. The FUNERAL MASS will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, December 29, 2023 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Andrew Ayers presiding. VISITATION for Howard will be from 5:00- 7:30 PM Thursday, December 28, 2023 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and also one hour prior to the funeral Mass. The ROSARY will be prayed 7:30 PM following the visitation. Burial will take place in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery. MEMORIALS to The Harbor Hospice Foundation or St. Catherine’s Catholic Church will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 (231) 853-6511
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