Carol Woods, 72

Carol Woods, 72, passed away on June 17, 2014. She was born Nov. 13, 1941, in Mobridge, S.D., to Glenn and Rose Woods.

Carol graduated high school in Basin, Wyo., and attended Northern Montana College in Havre. She began her teaching career on an American Indian reservation near Havre, then in Ely, Nev. She later moved back to Montana, where she built a home in Kalispell and taught in Kila. She finished her teaching career in Henderson, Nev., where she retired. During her 50 years of teaching, she was honored with several Distinguished Educator Awards. She was especially proud of her many years of perfect attendance, missing only a couple of days during her career. 

She said one of her goals was to know she made a difference. This was realized when a businessman recognized her on a plane, identified himself as one of her previous students and thanked her for all she had taught him. He said she helped make him successful. 

Carol was endeared by her fellow teachers and was always given a place of honor at post-retirement luncheons so all could hear her teaching wisdom and experiences. She enjoyed reading, watching movies and dancing. She met Jim while out dancing, and he became her companion in life. They enjoyed listening to band music, kicking up their heels and traveling together - especially back to Montana and to be near family.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Rose Woods; brothers Brian and Daniel; sister Maria Marozzo; and nephews Zachary Newman, Gregory Woods and Michael Marozzo.

She is survived by brothers Jerry Woodsof Polson, Thomas and Mori Woods of Butte, Tony Woods of Kalispell, and Mike and Ginny Woods of Missoula; sisters Joanne and Larry Newman of Libby, Diane and David Van Buren of Kalispell, and Julie and Bob Komenda of Marion; 30 nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and great- nephews; and her “dance partner in life” Jimmy Sarisky.

We will dearly miss Carol and her love of life, laughter and beautiful personality. Memorial services are pending.