Cecile Woodward

Cecile Ila Woodward, 95, of Elmira, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She was born on January 23, 1930, in Star Township, MI, the daughter of Carl and Virgie (Shoup) Olds.

Cecile graduated from Alba High School in 1948, and on March 6, 1953, in Fenton, MI, she married Orrin Woodward. They settled on the farm in Elmira on Alba Highway, and Cecile poured her life into the community of Alba over the years. She served on the Star Township Board and volunteered her time to the Fire Department for many years. She was the head organizer of many luncheons and other gatherings at the hall and always supplied them with her famous scalloped potatoes. She was a long-time member of the Alba Freedom Fellowship Church (formerly Alba United Methodist) and helped people in any way she could.

Cecile was as hard-working as they come – always up before the sun – and was not one to sit down for long. She worked for Steiner Construction in Bellaire as a painter, built cabinets with Orrin, and drove bus for Alba Public Schools for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, picking and canning from her vegetable gardens, feeding and watching the birds in the backyard, and camping. Some of her favorite camping spots were at the Soo Locks watching the boats pass by and winter camping in Texas. Cecile also baked the most delicious cinnamon rolls and coffee cakes for her loved ones and friends.

Cecile is survived by her three sisters, Margaret Bock of Alba, Lois VonSoosten of Eastport, and Valeria Rusnell of Alba; three sisters-in-law, Donna Olds, Yvonne Olds, and Sonya Olds; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orrin Woodward; her parents, Carl and Virgie Olds; three brothers, Lloyd Olds, Clinton Olds, and Donald Olds; and a sister, Donna Kooistra.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Mike Neihardt officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at noon. Cecile will be laid to rest next to Orrin at Star Township Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alba Freedom Fellowship Church, PO Box 136, Alba, MI 49611.

Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com