Donita Woods

Donita Woods, age 73, of Marshalltown, passed away Thursday, October 6th, at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown.

The family will announce a Celebration of Life in the future. Cremation rites have been accorded by the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Born on August 14th, 1949, in St. Paul, MN, she was the daughter of Donald and Gloria (Peterson) Gabrielson. Her mother later was united in marriage John Mutchmor, who became her step-father.

On October 29th, 1965, at Roland, IA, she was united in marriage to Floyd E. Woods. The young couple made their home in Ames, then Waterloo, before moving to Marshalltown in January of 1967. Mrs. Woods was a Registered Medical Aide at the Iowa Veterans Home, Villa del Sol and lastly Westwood Care Center on Lincolnway until their closing in 2006. At that same time she retired.

When Donita arrived at heaven’s gates Thursday, it was very likely she looked up was Elvis. She was over-the-top Elvis fan. She treasured family gatherings, collecting just about everything- from Precious Moments, ceramics, bells and Elvis memorabilia, (Floyd is selling her $300 Elvis Cookie jar she bought to anyone interested)! She was a great wife and mom. Even at seven months pregnant, she could still jump a fence to chase her son when he tested her patience. Though a household full of boys could test her, she was always their biggest fan.

Left to cherish her memory are Floyd, her loving husband of nearly 57 years, her children: Floyd Woods, Gordon (Candice Woods), James Woods and Shawn (Jill) Woods; her precious grandchildren- Taylor Blackford-Kensler, Logan Woods, Jayden Woods, Courtney Lawrence, Courtney Thomazin, Brittney Lawrence, Garrett Lawrence, Samantha Woods, Andrew Woods, Kiarra Woods, Austin Woods, Alarie Woods, Adley Woods, Jason Woods and Glorialynn Woods; great-grandchildren- Carson Kensler, Harper Kensler, Ryker Alman, Lyndon Woods, Braylee Woods, Jaxton Woods, Brinllie Thomazin, Robin Thomas Lawrence and William Lawrence; brother Jerry Mazurkiewitz, sisters Jillene Christenson and Anne E. Boursine; half-siblings- Joyce, Jean (Kim), Julie (Mark), Jerry and Joann (Terry); as well as several other family and friends.

In death, she rejoined her parents, her mother and father.