Elizabeth Ellen Woody, 92, died February 3, 2012. She was born in Crane, Missouri, the only daughter of Gertrude and Roy Bushnell's four children. Elizabeth's father died during the flu pandemic of 1918, before she was born. Elizabeth's older brothers paid for her to attend St. John's School of Nursing, where she obtained her Registered Nurse diploma in May 1940. She was among the first group of nurses to open St. John's Hospital at its current location. She married Raymond D. (R.D.) Woody on December 15, 1940. Eventually she assisted R.D. in his State Farm agency until his death in 1986. Elizabeth and R.D. had three children, including Jo Ellen Hogan who died in 2002. Her surviving children are Raymond D. Woody, Jr. (Eileen) and Donald Eugene Woody (Ann), both of Springfield. Also surviving are grandchildren Marshall Wittmann Woody (Kaitlin) of Liberty; Joanna Woody of Springfield; and Catherine Elizabeth Nagus (Jeffrey) of Webster Groves. Elizabeth lived a rich life with many diverse interests. She was an avid gardener and particularly enjoyed roses and loved growing them. When she was no longer able to work in her garden, she delighted in the lush bouquets from Ray's garden. She was a bird watcher and enjoyed the many species that regularly visited her yard and garden. Elizabeth was passionate about the St. Louis Cardinals as well as the Mizzou Tigers. She embraced liberal, progressive ideas and was proud to have voted for the first female presidential candidate but also supported our first black president. Elizabeth was one of life's givers and supported numerous progressive and charitable causes. Throughout her life she nursed sick friends and family members. There was a serenity and calm demeanor about Elizabeth that reflected her boundless optimism. She embraced each day with joy, which sustained her throughout her life. The memorial service will be at Gorman-Scharpf's Brentwood Chapel, 1947 E. Seminole, on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Schweitzer United Methodist Church at 2747 E. Sunshine, Springfield 65804, or to A Sporting Chance at 1850 E. Meadowmere, Springfield 65804. Elizabeth's family thanks the many people at Schweitzer who visited and supported her, as well as the staff at The Gardens where she spent her last years.