Ethel I. Woodruff

Ethel I. Woodruff, 89, resident of Sedona, passed away on January 26. Born and raised in Chicago she graduated with honors from Nicholas Senn High School in 1935. She and her husband Duane (Woody) Woodruff Jr. moved to Sedona in 1989. They were life-long partners for 59 years. Ethel worked for an insurance company and a department store in Illinois; however, her true profession was Homemaker. She adored her family and home. Ethel was extremely proud of her Swedish heritage and enjoyed a fascinating visit to Sweden as a young girl with her parents, Oscar and Esther Peterson, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1909. She was fortunate to meet all of her Swedish relatives. She was an active member of the Sedona Gem and Mineral Club for over 10 years, served as the official greeter/registrar at monthly meetings and shows, and was responsible for the distribution/mailings of the monthly newsletter. One of her dreams had always been to go on a rockhounding field trip and in 2005, at the young age of 87, her dream finally became a reality. She joined with members of several Arizona and California clubs at an outing to the Paulsell Ranch, a 60, 000 acre ranch next to the Petrified Forest in Holbrook, AZ. With a cane and portable oxygen, and the help of her friends, she was able to explore a small area loaded with the beautiful petrified wood, proudly collecting over 20 pounds of small pieces for her collection at home. In addition to rock collecting, Ethel loved challenging crossword puzzles, playing cards and board games. She was an avid reader, visiting the Sedona Public Library weekly. She also enjoyed gardening and birds. Hot dog roasts during 4-wheeling trips in the boonies with family and friends thrilled her and she developed an instant love for the Sedona outdoors and the aspen forests. Every year she had to hug an aspen tree. Until two weeks before her death, Ethel diligently worked out in the Sedona Racquet Club gym up to four times a week, walking on the treadmill, using weight and rowing machines, and chatting with her younger friends. Ethel will always be remembered for her love of life and desire to learn new things, and especially her gentle kindness. She had an incredible ability to listen and was genuinely interested in everyone. She loved people and was constantly cheerful and friendly even when she was in pain or sick she never complained. She always had a smile. She will be dearly missed by all. Ethel is survived by her dear brother, Raymond Peterson of Chicago; her son and daughter-in-law Philip and Sheila Woodruff of Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Sarah and Michael Woodruff of Pennsylvania; daughter Nancy Bihler of Sedona; a special Sedona Daughter, Mary Schroeder; best friends Elaine Marstad of Sedona, and Pat McMahan of Cottonwood; and Fred Bihler of Sedona and his family in the midwest. She is preceded in death by a brother, Robert Peterson of Chicago. Private family services will be held at a later date. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com