Jean Hergenrader-Woodward, age 72 of Callaway, formerly of Cozad, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney after a short battle with cancer.
Jean was born October 5, 1940 at Cozad, Nebraska to W.W. "Bud" and Mary Elta (Griffith) Beckley. She graduated from Cozad High School in 1958. Jean went on to attend beauty school in Grand Island.
On November 29, 1959, she married Stanley Hergenrader at Cozad. Their union was blessed with 2 children, Scott Alan and Kristal Lynn. Jean and Stan lived their life together in Cozad until the time of Stan's passing in May of 1993. Throughout her life Jean worked a variety of jobs, including as a beautician for many years. At the time of her retirement, she was serving as the secretary at the First United Methodist Church in Cozad where she was also a member.
On July 7, 2001, Jean married Cecil Woodward and the couple made their life in Callaway. They enjoyed traveling around the United States and Canada, along with visiting their many friends and family. Jean and Cecil loved to attend as many activities and events of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as possible. Jean also loved visiting the family farm and spending time with their 3 donkeys and cat, Sparkles.
Jean was a long-time member of the Cozad Does Drove 177 and the Red Hat Society.
Jean enjoyed sewing, crocheting, scrap booking, along with collecting Santa's and roosters.
Jean was preceded in death by her first husband Stanley, her parents, a sister Maxine Nash, a brother Leon Myer, brothers in law, Jerry Nash, Chuck Whitehead, Al Sieler, and Bill Tracy. Sisters in law Sharon Myer, Dorothy Sieler-Pitz, Orla Hergenrader, Doris Hergenrader, Jenny Tracy, Detta Wright, JoAnne Woodward.
Jean is survived by her husband Cecil of Callaway, her two children, Scott (Pamela) Hergenrader of Cozad, Krysti (Steve) Cunningham of Papillion; 3 step-children, Jeral (Sam) Tillman of Omaha, Janel (Rod) Brestel of Callaway, and Jon Woodward of Sterling; grandchildren, Jana (Bob Hinkle) and Josh (Melissa) Hergenrader, Amanda, Taylor, and Mattie Cunningham, Kayla (James) Bandy and Sara (Troy) Huebert, Clarissa Tillman and adopted granddaughter, Chelsea Eng; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Lavonne (Richard) Beans of Cozad; many nieces, nephews, and many special friends.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Callaway Community Center in Callaway with Fred Werkmeister, P.M.A. and Ken Pitkin officiating. Burial will be in the Waldheim Cemetery northwest of Callaway.
Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.