Kathy Woods

Kathryn Alice Woods was born on May 10th, 1943 at her grandparent’s home in Frohna, MO.  Frohna is a small farming community that was settled by German immigrants, and her parent’s, Hilmer and Alice, both spoke fluent German.  Kathy and her sister, Janice, grew up playing on the farm (Kathy even had her own pig named Fritzy), and they attended Concordia Lutheran Church.  

Kathy and her family moved to Colorado when she was 10, and she attended Emmaus Lutheran School in Denver. Later, Kathy graduated from Denver North High School.

Kathy met Chuck in 1961, and immediately fell for his charm and wit.  Chuck proposed to Kathy in 1962 at Sloan’s Lake, and she of course accepted.  Soon after, Chuck was called to service in the United States Navy.

While Chuck was overseas, Kathy and her friend, Patsy, went against her their parents’ wishes and moved to Hollywood to chase their dreams.  While there, she worked as a secretary.  This didn’t last long, and she and Patsy soon moved back to Colorado.

Soon after, Chuck returned from the Navy, and Chuck and Kathy were married on January 9th, 1965, at Emmaus Lutheran Church.  They found a home near Sloan’s Lake where they started their lives together.

Chuck and Kathy wanted a family of their own, and 1966 brought Greg, and 1969 brought Jenny.  By that time, they were all living in Longmont.

Soon after, they all moved to Boulder, where they lived until 1989.  They developed many lifelong friendships there, and were very involved with their church family at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church.  Kathy and Chuck enjoyed entertaining friends and family, and of course attending Broncos games.

Kathy worked at a dental practice in Gunbarrel for many years.  Later in life Kathy worked at the Merchandise Mart in Denver.  Working at the Mart allowed Kathy to do one of the things that she really loved: collecting knick knacks, trinkets, and artwork.

Kathy was a dedicated and loving Mom.  She was at every sporting event, choir concert, and school event that Jenny and Greg had.  

Kathy and Chuck traveled all over the country.  They traveled to see family in North Carolina, and went to the beach with family there almost every year.  In her later years, they spent winters in Arizona in their camper.  They enjoyed their time there immensely.

Kathy’s love for concerts ranged from her first concert, The Beatles, at Red Rocks in 1964, to the likes of Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, The Beach Boys, and Jimmy Buffett.

Camping was one of Kathy’s passions.  They traveled to both coasts, even up into Canada, and everywhere imaginable in Colorado.  Kathy and Chuck were members of the Louisville Rod and Gun Club, and spent countless nights watching the sun set over Marshall Lake.  In Colorado, there was no place more special to Kathy and the family than Steamboat Lake State Park.  Almost every summer for fifty plus years, Kathy’s entire family spent a week or so in the shadow of Hahn’s Peak, making lasting memories with her family and close friends.  This tradition continues to this day.  In addition, Kathy enjoyed her time with her extended family celebrating many Thanksgivings at the YMCA of the Rockies.  

Nothing was more important to Kathy than her family and friends.  She was so proud of her two children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  Kathy always remembered every birthday or special day, and wrote thousands of cards.  She was always one of the first to congratulate you on an accomplishment, and was one of the first to console and talk through things when things weren’t going right.  Kathy’s heart was huge, and she would always put you first before anything that was bothering her.

The past few years were extremely difficult for Kathy, as she faced numerous health issues.  But, whenever you would come or call to visit with her, she always asked how you were doing first.  YOU were always her priority.  Anyone that knew Kathy will never forget her smile, her laugh, and her hugs.

Kathy also had a very strong faith, and she knew that the Lord was preparing a place for her in heaven, where she will see her family and friends again.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Chuck; her sister, Janice Cianfrance (Richard); her son, Greg (Jennifer), her daughter, Jenny (Joel); her grandchildren Madison, Savanna (Riley), Noelle, Mackenzie, Caleb, Andrew, and Khloe; her great-grandchildren Bentley Charles and Lily Kathryn; her nephews Jason (Jen) and Derek (Shannon); her nieces Lisa (Steve), Amy (Jamie), and Megan (who preceded Kathy in death); and her great-nieces and nephews Joslyn, Jade, Walker, Cody, Kylie, Kadyn, Madison and Ryan. 

We will forever miss Kathy, but we are confident that we will see her again..

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at The Establishment at Bradburn, 11885 Bradburn Blvd, Westminster, CO 80031. Light refreshments and sweet treats will be served after as time for fellowship and memory sharing. 

Her urn will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted in Kathy’s honor at the YMCA of the Rockies.  You can make a tribute gift here. Please note, you must designate that your gift is a tribute gift in honor of Kathy Woods.