Lila Pederson Woodward

Published 12:24 am Thursday, December 17, 2015

August 30, 1922 – November 20, 2015

Lila Pederson Woodward passed away peacefully on November 20, 2015 in Bend, Oregon. She was 93.

She was born Lila Senora Pederson to parents John T. and Ingerid (Bakken) Pederson in Watford City, North Dakota on August 30, 1922. Lila was the 8th of 10 children. She grew up in Watford City, ND and Crosby, ND. Her parents were immigrant homesteaders from Norway. Given the lack of trees, their first home was sod with a dirt floor. Despite humble beginnings, the large family was extremely close, and set the tone for Lila’s lifetime devotion to her own family.

Lila graduated from Crosby High School and in 1942 she married Gordon Langston just as World War II was beginning. They had 4 children and raised their family over a wide geographic area covering most of the western states as Gordon was in the oil exploration business. Everywhere she lived during that era, and there were over 30 places, she turned each house into a comforting home.

After a divorce, she met and married Gene Woodward in Denver, Colorado. They lived a fine and happy life together all of her remaining 36 years. Gene and Lila were devoted to one another, and frequently were observed just sitting quietly, holding hands. However theirs was not a sedentary life, as they loved to travel – especially if it involved family. There were treasured times at some of her favorite spots in the U.S., Norway, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any time an activity or trip was mentioned, Lila would be the first to say, “let’s go.” They especially enjoyed their frequent long trips to visit Lila’s niece Beverly Porter and husband, Jack, in Washington state.

Her children gradually migrated to Alaska – first Larry, followed by Steve, then Judy and finally Susan. Lila and Gene very soon arrived in Alaska as well since Lila always wanted all of her family back together in one place. She loved family gatherings and her Norwegian prayer and blessing was a highlight of many family meals. She and Gene had many friends in Alaska and participated in many senior activities. She was an avid fisherman, but loved her Alaskan king crab more than anything. After son Larry and his family moved to Bend, Lila and Gene followed, enjoying the support and love of his family the last 15 years.

As her children married, and each of her nine grandchildren came along, she became even more enamored with the enlarging family. To each one, she was always the “doting grandmother” and all were her “very favorites”. Her seven great grandchildren only gave her more lives to shower with love and affection.

She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings. These included: James, Thomas, Benhard, Harry, Joseph, Carma, Marcella, Oscar, and Josephine. She is survived by her loving husband, Gene Woodward, her children and their spouses Judy (Richard) Anschuetz of Anchorage, AK, Larry (Jane) Langston of Bend, OR, Steve Langston of San Diego, CA, and Susan (Dave Shumway) Langston of Anchorage, AK. Grandchildren Brian Swanson, Michele Poeschel, Katie Anschuetz and Teagan Anschuetz, Nanette Langston, Neal Langston, Steven Langston, Charlie Scott and Chris Scott and great grandchildren Stephanie Poeschel , Samantha Poeschel, Nicole Poeschel, Andrew Swanson, Timothy Swanson, Ellie Swanson, and Roland Charron.

A private family service was held by her close confidant, Pastor Joel LiaBraaten, at Grace First Lutheran Church in Bend, OR, November 22, 2015. Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr Keith Harrington, the staff with Aspen Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Heart and Home for their compassionate care. A Celebration of Life for family and friends is being planned for July 2016 in Bend, Oregon.