Evelyn “Evie” Woodward-Arndt, of Merrill, passed away on July 9, 2013 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in the Palliative Care Unit after a courageous battle with ALS at the age of 79.
She was born Jan. 6, 1934 in Colby, WI to the late Edward G. & Marie (Snieder) Rucks who were originally from Curtis, WI. Evie was the beloved wife of Eugene Arndt. They were united in marriage on Aug. 27, 2012 in Merrill, WI.
Evie was married to Harvey A. Woodward on Nov. 15, 1952. During their marriage, they ran a successful chicken and egg business in the ’60’s, followed by Woodward Auction and she continued to run their apartment rental business until her death.
Evie most recently enjoyed traveling, and loved to tour in the 1941 Ford Coupe with Gene. She was an active member in the Wausau Antique Auto Club and enjoyed touring and spending time with all of her new found friends. Evie also attended the Old Tractor Shows and enjoyed helping Gene with the restoration of their multitude of tractors. She also enjoyed the many family events over the last few years battling her disease.
Evie and Harvey raised five children: Harlyn “Rocky” (Debbie) Woodward, Hatley, Marlyn “Corky” (Danette) Woodward, Merrill, Brian (Sue) Woodward, DePere, Reed (Sue) Woodward, Pulaski and Harvey Woodward III (Diane Woodward, daughter-in-law, survives) who passed in 2011. They loved to spend time with their 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
After finding love the second time, she gained a large second family which includes: Francis (Beverly) Arndt, Oakdale, MN, Geraldine (William) Batten, Stratford, WI, Susan (Thomas) Duginske, Wausau, Ronald (Debbie) Arndt, Rosholt, WI, and Paulet (Fiance Bradley Jarocki) Arndt, Wausau. Evie became a second grand and great-grandmother to Gene’s 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Evie is survived by her siblings; Margaret Firnstahl, Arpin, WI, Dorothy Voge, Abbotsford, WI, Joann Johnson, Stanley, WI, John (Paulette) Rucks, Mosinee, WI and Ruby Lueth, Medford, WI; brother-in-law: Albert Lueth, Dorchester, WI; sister-in-law: Lorraine Rucks, Highland, CA. She is also survived by a special daughter-in-law: Joy Kelley, a special niece: Gloria Nixdorf, a very special friend, Vicky Bosley, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Harvey, on April 23, 2007, son, Harvey Woodward III, brother, Ralph Rucks, brothers-in-law, James Firnstahl, Edward Voge, Norman “Bud” Johnson, Dexter Woodward, and Quentin “Honey” Woodward; and sister-in-law: Christine “Tina” Woodward.
Evie was loved deeply by all of her family and friends and will be missed greatly. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Palliative Care staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their loving care.
Services were held Saturday, July 13, at our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. Pastor Sue Christian officiated. Burial was Monday, July 15 in Merrill Memorial Park.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.