WOODWARD, Theodore (Ted)

Theodore "Ted" Wolcott Woodward, In loving memory. He was born in Globe, Arizona on December 28, 1920, son and grandson of a prominent Arizona family. He is a descendant of one of the partners of the Gila Valley Bank founded in Solomonville, Arizona (A.G. Smith and Mary Woodman Smith - maternal grandparents) which became the Valley National Bank, and an early political figure in Arizona History (F.A. Woodward - paternal grandfather). When Ted was about 12 years old he and his family moved to Southern California. One of the many experiences he had while living in California was working on a tugboat for the rock quarry in Avalon, Catalina Island. His father was in charge of the quarry on the island. He met and married the love of his life, Joanne R. Hollis Woodward, on April 30, 1950. They celebrated their 51st Wedding Anniversary on April 30, 2001. Joanne passed away on October 11, 2001. It wasn't until Ted was an adult that he has his first opportunity to return to Arizona. He moved to Tempe with his wife and three children. Many trips were taken to expose his family to the wonders and beauty of Arizona. He loved Arizona so. One of his favorite places was Apache Lake. This last year he and his family (son Richard, daughter Catherine, grandchildren Karen, Kevin, and Michael in addition to his great grandchildren Dennis C. Waddell, Jr., Tristen Waddell, Logan Nechville and one step great grandchild Ian Vanover) to the lake many times. Everyone had a great time. Grandpa Ted taught the history of the area and the lake. In his career he was an insurance adjuster specializing in aviation. He enjoyed this job and all the people he met along the way. He joined the Silver Eagles just this year. As a member of the Mended Hearts Association he volunteered to visit patients in pre and post op heart surgeries at Desert Samaritan Hospital. This he did for a number of years until his sight began to fail him. (He joined after having a 6th bypass himself!) Ted and his late wife Joanne were active members of the Motorola Rockhound Club. He became involved in lapidary and making jewelry from the beautiful rocks he found together with silver. Ted moved into Westchester Villa apartments in April of this year and made many new friends. He enjoyed socializing and playing bingo with the other residents. There are so many things that could be said about Ted. He was a great father and grandfather. Good friend to many. Many will remember him for his sense of humor. He will be missed by all that knew him. He is preceded in death by: his loving wife and sole mate: Joanne R. Woodward, Parents: Herbert W. Woodward, Sr. And Charlotte E. Smith Woodward, Sister: Frances A. Woodward Clark, Brother: William A. Woodward. He is survived by: Children: Catherine F. Woodward-Jessee, Robert J. Woodward, and Richard L. Woodward. Brother: Herbert Watson Woodward, Jr. Grandchildren: Kevin M. Nechville, Karen J. Nechville, Megan Woodward, Jeremy Woodward, and Michael J. Woodward, Great Grandchildren: Dennis C. Waddell, Jr., Tristen J. "TJ" Waddell, Logan Nechville, and Ian Vanover Cousins and their families: Betty Richmond, Mary Davis, and Gene Hunter and families of Silver City, New Mexico. Ted loved all his children and bragged often as to our accomplishments. In addition he very seldom missed his grandson's Michael J. Woodward games (baseball, basketball, etc.) A Memorial service will be held Saturday, November 30th at 2:00 p.m. at Carr Tenney Mortuary, 2621 South Rural Road, Tempe. Published in the Arizona Republic on 11/28/2002.