Nancy Mae (Barry) Woods, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2026 at the age of 90 and is now at rest with the Lord. Her final days were spent surrounded by loved ones, and she is now surrounded by the loved ones who went before her.
She was born May 26th, 1935 in Ottawa, IL at Ryburn Memorial Hospital to Eugene and Mabel (Ludwig) Barry. She had two older sisters, Jeanne and Patricia, who she enjoyed rollerskating with in their childhood. Over her lifetime, she had many interests, jobs, and hobbies. She was a lab technician and physicians assistant, a hospice volunteer, a Pink Lady at Ryburn, and followed her Grandma Ludwig’s footsteps by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Nancy was a member of the Kappa Kappa Sigma sorority and a fashion show model for several local retailers from ages 20-71. She enjoyed auctions and shopping and had a keen eye for style and decorating, and she loved being social and dancing. Gardening was another of her favorite pastimes. There wasn’t a weed safe from being pulled in her presence.
She married Eugene Woods on November 30th, 1952 at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Ottawa, IL and was married for 57 years before his passing in 2009. Together they built a beautiful life and raised 5 children together at the now 6th generation Centennial family farm. They had the biggest barn in Freedom Township where they raised 500 hogs, 250 chickens, several sheep, ponies and horses. Upon becoming a farmer’s wife, she also learned a whole new set of skills, including making meals for all of the farm help. Cooking in large quantities was something she would continue throughout her life, as she couldn’t seem to make just a small meal.
Faith was central to Nancy’s life. She was a member of Freedom Lutheran Church for over 50 years where she also taught Sunday school. Later in life, she attended Wedron Methodist Church where she became a member and renewed her wedding vows for her and Gene’s 55th anniversary. She also listened to Fox River Lutheran Church on the radio every Sunday morning for many years. She shared her faith with those around her and loved Jesus with her whole heart. Her faithfulness carried her through many trials and tribulations and never waivered.
Family was the most important thing in her life, and the love she shared will carry on through generations. She was the beloved mother of Timothy (Johnna) Woods, Brian (Deb) Woods, Susan (Ed) Bushnell, Michael (Jody) Woods, and LeeAnn (Jon) McLennan. She was a treasured grandma to 11 grandchildren: Jason, Desi Rae, Amanda, Joshua, Jeremiah, Marcy, Michele, Melanie, Matthew, Jesse, and Jamie, and had 27 great-grandchildren whom she doted on. She was a dear aunt to her sister’s children and was also an honorary member of the Brown family where she was affectionately known as Ma. She loved her family deeply and hoped her legacy of love and faith far surpasses her. Nancy was proceeded in death by her parents, sisters, husband Gene, daughter LeeAnn, son Timothy, and granddaughter Amanda.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 9th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home in Ottawa, IL. A private family visitation will be held at noon with a public visitation from 1pm-3pm. Funeral services with Pastor Cameron Graper will follow at 3pm. At the conclusion of services, Nancy will be laid to eternal rest at Freedom Lutheran Cemetary in Prairie Center, IL. Pallbearers are Joshua Woods, Jeremiah Woods, Matthew Bristol, Jon McLennan, Barry Mitchell, and John Fitzpatrick with Jason Woods and Jesse Woods as honorary pallbearers.
A celebration of Nancy’s life and legacy will be held at the Norway Community Building on Sunday, May 31st at 1pm. The family would also like to extend their appreciation to her caregivers Kayla, Jami, Susie, Nicky, Lexi, and Lynette for the excellent care shown during these last months. Though Nancy is no longer with us here on Earth, her light will continue to shine in all who were graced with loving her.