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On December 14, 2023, Dale Kent "Woody" Woodworth, 86, of Ames, Iowa, transitioned peacefully at his home in Northcrest with his beloved wife Linda (Miller) and family by his side. Woody entered hospice care two weeks prior, and incidentally, his passing day was also his birthday. We like to think he planned it that way, leaving us with one last story to tell.
Woody, the third of four children, was born on December 14, 1937, to Ralph and Ruth Woodworth in Paxton, Illinois. He grew up in rural Illinois until moving to Ames, Iowa with his family in 1955. Woody graduated from Ames High School in 1956 and had a brief stint at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Through several unique and story-worthy circumstances, Woody was offered the opportunity to manage a TEXACO gas station on East Lincoln Way in Ames, and his career as a business owner in the gasoline and service station industry began. Woody's service station location moved a few times in the first decade of his career until he bought the DX station/property at the corner of Clark St and Lincoln Way in 1965. For over 35 years, this corner became a welcomed 'home' in the Ames community for full-service gas, car repair, U-Haul rentals and a hot cup of coffee.
With a heavy heart, Woody closed his service station in 1990 but in true Woody fashion, he jumped back into the Ames community working several jobs and wearing many hats (he liked hats!), until settling into a field consultant position with Iowa Subway Development from 1996-2006. Retirement not being in his vocabulary, Woody then spent the following decade at George White Chevrolet as a service driver, making new friends along the way. As his sister Sue once said, "Kent never met a stranger he didn't like."
For Woody, work was never 'work', he found meaning and fun in everything he did, and being in service was a foundational aspect of his life. Through the years he was a member and held board positions with many organizations including the Ames Jaycees, Mary Greeley Meals on Wheels, Ames Chamber of Commerce, the Midwest Service Station Association, Ames Town & Country Kiwanis, and the First United Methodist Church.
To know Woody, you would also know Linda, his wife of 64 years. They had a loving and happy marriage. Woody's eldest granddaughter, once asked, "Grandpa, 50 years with one person? Don't you two ever get bored with each other?" And he replied, "No, Quinn, she's my best friend." Woody and Linda's story began when they married on June 28th, 1959. They went on to build a beautiful family starting with Jill, who incidentally was born the day before Woody was struck by lightning at the station (another great story), then came Julie, Matt, and Mindy. For 42 years the Woodworth's called the house at 603 Northwestern home and Woody was certainly at its heart. All friends who entered felt like family and all were welcome. The family grew and Woody and Linda became loving grandparents to ten grandchildren - Quinn, Tyler, Samantha, Maddie, Kelsey, Jake, Harrison, Clove, Logan, and Vince; and four great grandchildren - Oliver, Vivian, Emily, and Lucas.
In 2011, Woody and Linda joined the Northcrest Community and continued building friendships into their golden years.
Caring, selflessness, and a love for life drew people to Woody's side, wanting to be a part of whatever he was up to. Funny and quick-witted, he had a way of making everything interesting and fun - whether it was hanging wallpaper or changing the oil in a car - he did it with a skip in his step, a story to share, and love in his heart. Woody shared many of his gifts with us throughout his long life, but one of his superpowers was simply making people feel 'at home' in his presence. His lessons and spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed. We love you, Woody!
Services for Kent "Woody" Woodworth will be held on January 26th at 2pm CST at the First United Methodist Church in Ames, to be followed by a Celebration of Life from 3:30-5pm at Northcrest Community Grand Room. Please join us!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Heartwood House, Northcrest Community Foundation, or First United Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
A couple of memories:
1) Once a bought a newer family second car with an automatic transmission for my wife to drive, he threatened to stop servicing my cars altogether if I ever got rid of my 1966 Chevy Impala, because it was one of the few remaining cars that he worked on that when he opened the hood - all you saw was a basic engine and not all of that computer stuff!
2) Later while he was working for SUBWAY, one of the shops that he checked-on was in Corning, IA - my hometown. Coincidentally, he met my father there on one of his visits, and they became acquainted. From then on, whenever Woody was in Corning, Dad tried to meet up with him for a friendly visit.
Ben and I have fond memories of Woody and remember him with smiles on our faces. In particular, he and his team rebuilt the engine of our family's 1964-1'2 Mustang convertible, which he realized was a rare vehicle. He was a delight to be around, and we were happy to count him as a friend. Our deepest sympathy to Linda and their entire family.
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. Woody was truly a very special man! I am truly a better person becuase I was so blessed to get to know him and call him my friend. I am keeping yopu and all of yours in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace good friend. Our prayers are with the family as they gather to share memories of a life well lived. Diane and Ed Gillott
Woody was the sweetest, along with his dad! I always stopped by his DX station in high school cause he hired cute high school boys! A kind soul and a gentleman. Rest well, Woody.
Denise Kepley Wirth
So sorry for your family's loss. I remember first meeting Kent at the Boone-Y Camp. I was serving as a volunteer dietitian for the week with Camp Hertko Hollow (medical specialty camp for kids with type 1 diabetes. ) Kent was there with the Kiwanis "popcorn crew" , popping batch after batch of popcorn for snacks for that evening's all-camp activity.
It was a pleasure to meet him with his warm smile and friendly conversations. I always looked forward to his return the following summer sessions.
Kathy (Smithson) Vannoy, Ames High Class of 1980
Although I am sad to hear Woody has passed, I have great memories of trips to the DX station with my Dad and family outings with the Woodworth's. Woody always had a smile that just welcomed you! My condolences to Linda and family. He will be missed but never forget the example he set.
Woody was a rare constant of humility, hope, humor, and humanity. While I am saddened that he is gone, I celebrate his remarkable legacy he left with us---great family, stories, memories and that indelible positive impression he left with everyone who ever met him!
Many fond memories of stopping at Woody's DX when we lived in Ames. Woody always had a smile and story to tell, some of which involved my dad. My condolences to the family.
John Compton
Owatonna,MN
Linda, I was sorry to see about the passing of Woody. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Linda, my thoughts are with you. My deepest sympathies. Kent was popular with all of our 1956 AHS classmates. He was a good friend at a regular guy––“the real deal.” We will miss him.
Jerry Soesbe
Champaign, Illinois
Sending prayers to your family. I have so many wonderful memories of all of you. He had the most wonderful laugh.
My sympathies to Woody's family. So many memories, Ed Hendrickson Sr
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. I am blessed to have gotten to know both of you. May the memories you have sustain you during this difficult time. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Linda, I am so sorry you have lost Woody, your wonderful life partner. I shall be forever grateful to you for your business relationship with my dad, and that you shared the story of how Dad introduced you and Woody to my mom when Dad knew he was not going to live much longer. You and Woody have a special place in my heart. Blessings to you, and prayers for your peace of heart and mind.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Woody was such a great person and will be greatly missed. Prayers to the whole family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the family. We were blessed to have Woody in our lives.
We cleaned for Linda and Woody. We enjoyed Woody's woodyisms. He was always quick whitted and funny. He had a heart of gold. He always thought of us as his adopted daughters. He was one of the world's greatest dads. He filled are hearts with love and are lives with joy. He will always be remembered and never forgotten. We ❤️ you Woody. Carrie and Amy townhome housekeepers.
Our thoughts are with Linda and the Woodworth family.
Pace Family West Liberty Iowa
Service
Ames, Iowa 50010
Visitation
Ames, Iowa 50010
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