Jean Esther (Ott) Woodard

Jean Esther (Ott) Woodard, 100, of Maize, Kansas, passed away on June 15th, 2022. Jean was born in Wichita, Kansas to Eugene and Mildred Ott. She was raised with two sisters, Francis and Ruth, as well as two brothers, Roy and John Paul. Jean grew-up in Maize where she attended high school and met her husband, Gail Woodard. They were married on February 8, 1942 and were happily married for 57 years. They had 3 children: Gene, Chuck and Susan. They established their home and farm on Maize Road where it remains today. They focused on sheep, dairy, and crops. She was actively involved in the farm as she milked cows, drove the combine, and bailed hay, in addition to providing lunch, snacks and dinner. Outside of the farm, she generously gave her time to the community. She was a 4-H leader for many years, was involved in Sedgwick County Extension and Farm Bureau, served as Director for Make It Yourself with Wool, served as Grand Marshall for the Maize Fall Festival, and a devoted member of Maize United Methodist Church where she served on numerous church boards. Throughout her life, her hard work was recognized and rewarded, which was highlighted by being selected as one of 10 Kansas women to be honored as outstanding women leaders in Farm Bureau. Gail and her were chosen to visit Pakistan for 2 months, to visit farmers and agricultural officials to promote world peace and exchange information. She was the first woman to ever be a part of this program. Nancy Kassebaum selected her to be the first woman to serve on the state ACSC Board with the objective to solve complaints from farmers and rule on appeals from local boards. She was elected National Lamb Promotion Chairman and traveled all over the United States teaching women how to give demonstrations and presentations. She was also elected to the National Auxiliary where she worked with the Secretary of Agriculture in Washington to establish March as National Lamb Month. Always active or seeking adventure, she held many positions in Eastern Star, she became a pilot and belonged to the women’s 99 pilots, loved to bowl, fish, entertain (always making pies), and traveling. She has traveled to over 38 countries, which included visiting members of the International Farm Youth Exchange Program who had lived with them for about a year to learn farming techniques. When in Japan, she was honored by one of their Japanese boys who had learned about the dairy business. His family had started an ice cream shop from his dairy and had named it BOSS & MOM after them. What an honor! She impacted so many lives. She was all about family. Her great grandparents always made Apple Butter every year. That was a family tradition. She continued that tradition. She was there this year helping to stir apples cooked in a Copper Kettle over an open fire, giving instructions to us so we can keep the tradition going. This past year, we jarred over 200 jars of Apple Butter. We will continue the tradition and know she is looking down on us to do it right! Another tradition was to make Pecan Roll Candy every Christmas for friends and family. One of her best trips she planned was when she provided a trip to Africa for all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She wanted them to build and establish a relationship with one another. She was always so generous! Jean was preceded in death by hers parents; husband, Gail; grandson, Chris Woodard; and granddaughter, Shelley Poynter. She is survived by her children, Gene (Kay) Woodard, Chuck (Connie) Woodard and Susan (Gregg) Wilhite; her grandchildren, Gerald (Leslye) Woodard, Leslie (Drew) Morgan, Ryan (Liza) Wilhite, Grant (Aron Steven) Wilhite, Michael (Sharon) Gerken and Troy (Brook) Gerken; great grandchildren, Gage (Stacy) Woodard, Grady Woodard, Gavin Woodard, Shea Poynter, McKenna Poynter, TC Poynter, Mason Morgan, Molly Morgan, Major Morgan, Quinn Wilhite, Macy Gerken, Megan Gerken, Christian (Jeni) Gerken and Cassie Forest Williard. She was an amazing mom, grandmother, and great grandmother, caring, thoughtful, and a very generous woman who brought joy, laughter and compassion to her friends and family. We celebrate her life! Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Family Graveside Service will be 9:30 am, Friday, June 24, 2022, at Maize Park Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 am at the Maize United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established with the Maize United Methodist Church, 208 E. Academy, P. O. Box 265, Maize, KS 67101.