Barbara Woodworth, 83

Barbara Sue Kytle Woodworth, 83, of West Plains, died April 12, 2019, in West Plains. A service celebrating her life and legacy will be  held at a later date. Friends may pay respects and sign the guest register at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains.

She was born Oct. 12, 1935, in Bakersfield, the daughter of Earl E. and Florence Ollie Lair Kytle. She grew up on a small farm near Bakersfield, and in later life she often reminisced about her beautiful pony, her pet pig Susie, and her many, many friends who lived across the meadows, down the roads and up the hills. She described her childhood as magical and cherished that time in her life. She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1953, and in 1954, she married the love of her life, J. T. Woodworth. 

For many years, Mrs. Woodworth was a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed visiting her neighbors, helping with PTA activities and Vacation Bible School, and faithfully collecting for the March of Dimes and other children’s charities. After her children began school, she worked part-time at Anderson-Carte Dress Shop and at Richards Brothers Dry Goods. Later, she was employed at the International Shoe Factory in West Plains, where she worked until her retirement.

Mrs. Woodworth and her husband then established Elledge House Antiques, where she enjoyed every moment spent surrounded by her favorite “old treasures” and her many customers, many of whom became beloved friends. She loved people, especially children. Friends and family knew her as an exceptional lady, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and loyal friend. She leaves behind many who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Connie Henry and husband Don, Jim Woodworth and wife Tammy, Cindy Woodworth Murray, and John Woodworth and wife Kim, all of West Plains; grandchildren Derek and Caity Woodworth, Jake and Jenna Woodworth, all of West Plains, Garth Woodworth of Bentonville, Arkansas, Jennifer Henry Davis of Cassville and Jason Henry of West Plains; great-grandchildren Brina Jacen Davis of Cassville, Charlotte Leann and Sophia Dawn Woodworth, both of West Plains; her nephew, Mike Lott and wife Becky of West Plains; many cousins; and many friends.

Memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at robertsondrago.com.

Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, directors.