Effie Etura Woods Sturgis, Michigan Obituary

Effie Etura Woods

Effie Etura Woods of Sturgis, Michigan, at the age of 98, passed away Tuesday evening, November 12, 2019, at Thurston Woods Village. Effie was born June 14, 1921 in Hendricks Quarry, Michigan, and moved to Sturgis in 1922. She graduated from Sturgis High School in 1939, and worked at Kirsch Company until she was old enough to enlist. Effie was inducted in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 25, 1942, and she was the first WAAC from Sturgis to enlist. During her time of service, Effie was recognized for her superior performance of duties and code of conduct, and she completed her service in 1946 as a 1st Sergeant at Fletchers General Hospital in Cambridge, Ohio. On November 27, 1946, Effie married Curtis Edgar Woods, who proceeds her death July 1, 1998, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis, Michigan, where she had been a member since 1936. They had two children, William and Susan. Effie worked at the Kirsch Company for 38 years, four months and four days, and her list of social and charitable activities is a testament to her incredible energy and love of life: Kirsch bowling league, Sunday School teacher, Alter Guild, Red Hat Society, TOPs, COPs and Sturgis Hospital gift shop volunteer and Tray Guild. And while all of these activities provide insight into her heart and character, to her those closest to her, she was known for her amazing mac and cheese, crocheted blankets, competitive card playing and unforgettable memory. She is survived by one son, William Curtis Woods of Chadron, Nebraska; one daughter, Susan Jean Shemberger of Chandler, Arizona; six grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one brother, Ted Ricket; two sisters-in-laws; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Norma Rickett; her husband, Curtis Edgar Woods; five sisters, Burnus Winkleblack, Dorothy Boggs, Donna Miller, Joyce Miller and Phyllis Helmar; and two brothers, Richard Rickett and Robert Rickett. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-3284. Funeral services celebrating the life of Effie E. Woods will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Woods’ memory consider the Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or the Thurston Woods Village Bus Fund, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091. The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
June 14, 1921 - November 12, 201906/14/192111/12/2019
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Effie

An environmentally friendly option
A
Allyster Waters
November 16, 2019
Having Miss Effie for our neighbor was such an AMAZING BLESSING to Louis, Charlotte, & I! She & Miss Joyce helped this Mama encourage my kiddos to always show respect, compassion, and kindness. We offer our heartfelt condolences to all the family and we look forward to ... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Effie Etura Woods.
A candle was posted for Effie Etura Woods.
C
Christi & Gary Moore
November 14, 2019
A candle was posted for Effie Etura Woods.
A candle was posted for Effie Etura Woods.
1 comment
C
Christi & Gary Moore
November 14, 2019
We just wanted to express our sympathy to Bill and your family. It sounds like she had a very remarkable life and a wonderful dear lady that will be missed. xo