ELLSWORTH
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Rita Ellen (Bates) Woodard, 92, of Ellsworth. Born to Roy and Evelyn Bates on Nov. 17, 1925. On March 21, 2018, Rita joined Ralph in their mansion in Heaven.
In 1943, Rita E. Bates and Ralph E. Woodard Jr. said “I Do” and thus began their adventure that spanned 54 years. Rita until recently lived in the Ellsworth home they bought in 1946. Rita attended Ellsworth United Baptist Church for over 70 years and assisted with anything good-natured Ralph was asked to do. Summing up a life of 92 years requires a book, but that’s too expensive. So, here are some descriptive words and phrases I hope spark a fond memory. Thrifty, Teddy Bears, second mom, Green Lake camp, sign the table, rainy day naps, church skits, Baptist Youth Camps, chicken coop, crafty, fun and funny, articulate, soft molasses cookies, loving matriarch, generous, comforting, humor your man, neighborhood watch with Charlotte Fortier.
Predeceased by husband, Ralph, in 1997, daughter Robyn, granddaughter Lori (Evelyn) Abbott, parents, brothers, sisters and in-laws. Survived by daughter Jeanne (Woodard) Abbott, son Barry Woodard (wife Betty) all of Ellsworth and an extra special niece, Rosanna (Grover) Libby of Newburgh. Grandchildren: Linwood Abbott (wife Elise) of Assonet, Mass., Robyn (Abbott) Saunders (husband Brad) of Surry, Troy Woodard (wife Sheryl) of Seal Cove, Ronald E. Abbott (wife Jennifer) of Ellsworth and Todd Woodard of Ellsworth. Six great-grandchildren: Joshua, Annie, Steven and Jonathan, all Abbotts, Brittney (Woodard) Shepard and Nicholas Woodard and two great-great-grandchildren, Sophia and Wes Shepard. One brother Richard Bates of Pinnacle, N.C., and dozens of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is planned for April 28, 2018, 11 a.m. at the United Baptist Church of Ellsworth. In lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of your choice.
Special thanks to the employees of Seaport Village and MCMH for your love, kindness and compassion.
