Betty J. Woods, 95, of La Porte, IN, peacefully passed away on November 5, 2025.

Betty was born May 4, 1930, to Frank and Hettie G. (Driver) Rakestraw in Lima, OH.

She graduated from Lima Central High School in 1948 and attended Manchester College in Manchester, IN. It wasn’t long before her college days ended because she met John R. Woods. They met at a skating rink in Lima, Ohio, and it was “love at first sight”. They were married just 2 months and 10 days later. They had a joyous 73+ year marriage.

Betty earned her real estate license in 1968 and her Broker’s license in 1973. She went into business with a friend to form Rardin-Woods Real Estate Agency in 1976. In 1980, Betty was elected Realtor of the Year by the La Porte Board of Realtors, and she held various board positions, including Secretary/Treasurer, Vice-President, and President. Betty was passionate about her family, singing with the La Porte First United Methodist Church Choir and La Porte’s Sweet Adelines Choir, drawing and painting with pastels and oil paints, and volunteering at the La Porte Hospital. She and John enjoyed many years spending the winters in Florida. Betty was predeceased by her husband, John R. Woods (1924 – 2023), and daughter, Laura Woods (1957 - age 18 months). She is survived by their four children: Robert (Jeanne) Woods, Richard (Lynda) Woods, Nancy (Lee) Archambeault, and Linda (Steve) Dragos; 5 grandchildren, Sara, Levi, Jeff, Walt, and Josh; 13 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association