Archived Services

Elsie Woods
02-22-2008

Elsie S. Woods, 98, passed away February 22, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Center in Sioux Falls. Elsie DeSchepper was born April 16, 1909 to Richard and Louise (Vandersnick) in Atkinson, Illinois. In 1917, the family moved to Jasper, Minnesota where Elsie and her four siblings attended school. In 1929 she moved to Sioux Falls and attended Samuels School of Cosmetology. Upon graduation, she worked at the Hollywood Permanent Wave Shop in Sioux Falls until she met and married Bernard J. Woods in 1936. They farmed north of Sioux Falls until his death in 1965. Elsie worked at the telephone company in Sioux Falls for a number of years. She was a 4-H leader and a county fair superintendent in the 4-H building for many years. She received numerous service awards for her work with the 4-H clubs. For more than 25 years, Elsie volunteered at the Avera McKennan Hospital Gift Shop. She was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral from the time she moved to Sioux Falls and was always active in the Cathedral Club, Church Dinners and benefits. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, gardening, card playing, traveling and socializing with family and friends. Elsie is survived by three children: James Woods, Jean (Dennis) Ditter and Margaret Ann (Joe) Zerfas; brother: Marvin (Dorothy) DeSchepper; grandchildren: Chad and Drew Ditter, Kimberly Lees, Aimee Morlan and Tobin Zerfas; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers: Hector and Carl; and sister: Marie. Visitation will begin Monday, 4 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Scripture Vigil at 7 PM followed by the Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10 AM at St. Joseph Cathedral.