Kathy Jo Woods, 64

Kathy Jo Woods was born on July 2, 1957 in Bassett, NE to Duane and Esther (Davis) Woods. She was welcomed home by three sisters, Sherrie, Betty and Peggy, and one brother, Kenneth.

When Kathy was born they lived north of Newport, NE on the “Martin Place.” When she was two, the family moved into Newport. Kathy attended Newport Grade School from kindergarten to eighth grade. After eighth grade she went to Rock County High School in Bassett to finish her formal education. After graduation, Kathy went to O’Neill, NE to work in a computer center for the bank. After several years, the bank closed that center and Kathy went to Gering, NE to working in the computer center at a bank. When more modernization arrived, that bank closed its local computer center and sent the work to a larger center. Kathy, choosing not to move to a larger city, sought a job in South Dakota. She landed a job with the State of South Dakota in their computer center. She was still actively employed there at the time of her death. She worked for 25 years for the State of South Dakota in the Becker Hanson Building in Pierre.

Kathy purchased a house in Fort Pierre. She enjoyed her flowers and garden plants on her deck. She enjoyed setting on her deck and watching the birds and bunny rabbits in her yard. Kathy loved dogs and had a dog with her most of her life. They were a very good companion for her. She liked to fish, read, paint ceramics, go for drives to see the countryside, as well as spending time with her family and friends. Kathy was very loving and sharing. She was always giving even if she really shouldn’t.

Kathy was stricken with Influenza A and Pneumonia which was more than she could overcome. She died on January 30, 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Esther Woods; sister, Peggy; and niece, Kim Hallmark.

Kathy is survived by sisters, Betty Derr and Sherrie (Garry) Graham; brother, Kenneth (Sharon) Woods; nieces and nephews, J.W. (Sarah) Graham, Wendy Graham (Jeremy Anderson), Rod (Holly) Woods, Vicki (Brian) Schmer, Linda (David) Mills, Janice (Terry) Sapp and Michael Stewart; great-nieces and nephews, Kenneth, Brycen, Beau, Kaylee, Hope, Carl, Dakota, Christina, Jessica, Cassie, Emily and Evan; along with other family members.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery in Bassett, NE with Pastor Gary Graesser officiating. Memorials have been suggested to the family in Kathy’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett is in charge of the arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.