William John Woods, age 73, of Miles City passed away at his home, on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023.
William was born June 15, 1949 at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City. He was the fifth of eight children born to Albert and Mary Jean (Byrnes-Turner) Woods and was raised on the family ranch on Graveyard Creek near Hathaway, Montana.
William married Sonja in 1979, and this union was blessed with two children: Joel and Catherine (deceased). He was also blessed with two granddaughters whom he adored: Catherine (Wren) and Lachlan Lee.
Besides his wife, son, and granddaughters he is survived by his siblings and their families: Ann Todoroff, Matthew & Vickie Woods, Michael & Darla Woods, Winona Wise, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Willy graduated from Rosebud High School and Western Montana College with a degree in Elementary Education. He taught at Rosebud from 1979 until retirement. Willy loved teaching and remained friends with his students and their families.
Willy’s other passion was his livestock. Ranching to him was a way of life. Willy shared this passion with his children and grandchildren.
Memorials may be given in honor of Willy to Holy Rosary Hospice at 2600 Wilson Street Miles City, MT 59301. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Celebrating the Life of William J. Woods (Willy) Saturday, July 8th, 2023 from 3 to 5pm at the Park in the city of Rosebud.
Please join us to share memories and celebrate the life of Willy Woods.
~ Sonja, Joel, and the Woods family
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday July 8, 2023
Rosebud City Park
Rosebud, Montana 59347
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday July 8, 2023
Rosebud City Park
Rosebud, Montana 59347
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Ed & Becky Gergen says
Sonja & Family – We know that no words of sympathy, no matter how deeply felt, can help much right now. We want you and the family to know that you have our deepest most sincere condolences.
Paula & Mike Childers says
Sending Heartfelt sympathy to all Willy’s family, Sonja, Ann, Matt, Mike and Nonie. He was always so kind, I know he will be missed immensely.
Nancy Pasha says
Sonja & Family,
We are so very sorry that you lost Willy! I loved working with Willy at school and at the ranch. He was a great guy. I am sure he did not want to leave but his heart was tired. May he now rest in peace and have a joyous reunion with his sweet Katheryn. Sending our love!
Nancy, Tara and Paige
Aaron & Brenda Kneeland says
Sonja & Family – we are heartbroken to hear of Willy’s passing. He was such a kind man and we have so many fond memories of him with our boys and teaching with Aaron at Rosebud. We love you and are here for you. Aaron & Brenda
Diana Robinette says
Sending my condolences and prayers to the family, I remember him being soft spoken, he will be missed but remember all the great and fun memories you will have.
Terry Billing says
Sonja, Joel, and Family
I am heart broken to hear of Willy’s passing. Willy touched so many lives. I’m so thankful that both of my kids had him as a teacher. He will be greatly missed. You have my deepest sincere condolences.
Diane M Welbes says
The loss of a friend is like that of a limb: time may heal the anguish of the wound, but the loss cannot be repaired. I have so many memories of Willy when I taught with him in Rosebud. He was a great inspiration to so many. Thoughts and prayers to you the family.
Susan Stabelfeldt says
I am so sad to hear this. Willy was such and nice kind man. He will be missed.
Donna Dunning Bends says
My sincere condolences to all the family. Willy was like a brother to me. He lived with us when school was in session.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sonja and family… reaching out with prayers for your family during this time of grief. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and give you comfort.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
To all Willy’s family,
Saddened to read of his passing. Willy was a good teacher and friend.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
To all Willy’s family,
Saddened to read of his passing. Willy was a good teacher and friend. Sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Wood’s will totally be missed, I loved having him as a teacher when I went to school and Rosebud. So he will be missed by lots of people.
Walt Marolf says
Sonja and Joel I am shocked to hear such sad news. Willy was a good guy and I only have fond memories of the cowboy days we spent with him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Susan Kohn says
Howard and I would like to send our condolences for the loss of Willie. He left a mark in so many places and with so many people. Blessings to you at this time. RIP Willie.
Denise Harvey says
All our thoughts and prayers are with you! A wonderful man who has left us all better! Take care and cherish memories!
The Harveys
Rachel R. says
Blessings on you, especially now. It was a somber day. May remembrances be sweet.
Bradley Kneeland says
Dear Sonja & Family– I am so very sorry to hear of Willy’s passing. He was a kind and wonderful man who touched so many lives, including all of the students he taught at Rosebud. I have many fond memories of him from Caledonians and from daycare with Sonja. Sending you all love and prayers.
Shelly Batey says
I was so sad to hear this news today. Willy was an incredible man-I was so honored to teach with him. He was an amazing role model to his students and peers. Hold on tight to all of the wonderful memories you made with this man and know that he will be missed by many. Love and prayers to your family.
Bernard Harms says
I’m sad to hear this news. Mr. Woods was a great teacher and even greater person. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers for him and his family.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Jim Cookman says
Sonja and family: Mr. Woods had an incredible impact on my life. He was a wonderful teacher and a good man. My prayers are with you.
Laura Lee Blankenship Kalloch Beeler says
Having lost my own father and husband, I can well-understand the depths of your loss. Willy was an amazing person, selfless in giving his time to community events whether school related or Caledonians, the ranch, or just taking time to have a conversation. He made you feel heard and that what you had to say was important. I truly enjoyed conversing with Willy. He could recount family history, the country and the people. He never said an unkind word about anyone. He was a blessing to so many and positively enriched the lives of those who knew him. I respected him as a teacher, family man and friend. I’m so very fortunate to have known such a kind soul and compassionate family. My most sincere deepest condolences to Sonja, Joel and Woods families. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this most difficult time. I hope precious memories will bring you comfort as I know Willy will be sorely missed. My dad would’ve said, “He’s good people. ” Love and prayers.
Josie Reid (Harms) and family says
There are so many word I could say about this wonderful man but I’ll keep it short. He was one of a kind. A great role model, teacher, and all around person anyone should meet. Im glad I gotvto introduce my husband and children to him. We will may never know the mystery box now! He will be greatly miss by all.
Ty and Rosalie Linger says
Sonja, Joel and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Willy’s passing. He always had a kind word and a gentle smile for me when I would come over. Praying God’s peace will be with you all during this time.
Ty and Rosalie Linger
Dee L Batey says
Rest in Peace my friend. Willy was a good man, who lived an honorable life as a professional and a family man. You will be missed, but your memory will live on forever.
Rita Wemmer says
Sonja and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Such a sweet, kind soul! Gone too soon but never to be forgotten. My Prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God’s protection be with all for the days ahead. 🙏🏻❤️❤️
The Warmbrod Family says
Sonja and family,
So sorry to hear of Willy’s passing we are thinking of all of you. We wish you moments of peace and comfort in the days ahead and
may the special memories of Willy help you through this difficult time.
Karla Elder says
Sonja and Joel,
Willy, was such a gentle soul and loved by so many. He will be truly missed. May you find peace.
With deepest respect.
Karla
Wayne & Lane Buck says
Sonya, Joel and family was so very saddened to hear of the loss of Willie. He was an amazing man,teacher,and friend. He will be missed by so many. I think back of all the good memories of him teaching All My Children in Rosebud what a saint he was in so many ways. His memories will live on in all of us. He touched so many lives.You are all in our thoughts and our prayers.
Alice Meister says
Dear Sonja and Joel,
George and I just heard the sad news about Willy and wanted to extend our deepest condolences and sympathy. Though we never met him, Willy must have been an amazing man to be married to you, Sonja, and father to you, Joel, as well as grandfather to his two girls. The world will be a sadder place without him. Thinking of you with much love and caring………..
Rebecca Gookin says
Dear Sonja and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gerard Baker says
Sonja and Family,
We heard the sad news of the loss of Willy, and want to pass on our heartfelt sympathy to you and family. Even though we have not been here that long, you folks have always been a great neighbor. His mark will always in a positive way, be a part of this land. Our prayers are with you all.
Gerard & Mary Kay Baker
Graveyard Creek
Jeanne Vetcg says
My heart goes out to you at your loss.
Robert Kneeland says
Willy was a great man and had a large part in my childhood. I remember fondly of seeing him daily while my brother&I were babysat by Sonja. He was always kind and friendly. Peace and good vibes to his family.
Lloyd and Jan Sohl says
Sonja and family, our heart aches for each of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Sonya and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Willy. Always had a friendly smile and a good word. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
David Shreeve says
I was so fortunate to get to know Willy as the Bus Contracter and friend. His smile, his wit, and his ability to make everyone feel important was outstanding. Those that had him as a teacher were so fortunate. Willy will be missed by all that knew him. Willy…RIP
Gracie Ann Waples Hill says
Dear Woods family–we send special prayers and blessings. A good, good man.
Kristine Bartholomew says
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Peggy Pyle says
Sonja and Joel,
I just learned of Willy’s passing. I am so sorry. I have so many wonderful memories of the times our families spent together over many years. Willy was a wonderful soccer coach to my boys. He sure loved kids. He will be missed a lot. May God’s peace surround you during this hard time. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sandy Anderson says
We are so sorry for your loss. We’ll keep all your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Sonja and family,
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!
Cindy and Dale Berg
Lin Cory Koerpet says
So sorry to hear about Willy’s passing. My boys Gabe and Ben really liked him as a teacher and was such a good mentor by his character and truly engaged with every student he taught. He was such an example of what a teacher should. I also so enjoyed subbing his classes. Prayers for the family and may our Lord and Savior give you comfort and peace now and always.
James A Glover says
Sonja and Joel, so sorry to hear the news about Willy. I pray for your family to get through the sorrow and pain of your loss.
Jess and Sue Noble says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Andy, Theresa, Sage & Ian says
Sonja, Joel & Family,
So sorry to hear of Willy’s passing. He was a joy to visit with. Thinking of you all……big hugs.
Norm says
Sonja, Joel and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you are finding comfort in your memories. You are all in our thoughts.
Heather Wilhelm says
Mr. Woods was my favorite elementary teacher, and I have so very very many fond memories of him from Rosebud. From the magic box, to looking over his square glasses at us, to teaching us how to draw ships, to “grinching” his class room at the holidays. Mr. Woods was simply out an amazing educator who cared for his students. My condolences for for his family, he truly touched the lives of so many
Jack Fleming says
I can just picture a great group hug with Jesus, Willy and Catherine. My condolences to everyone waiting to join that reunion
Elin Ahmadpour says
Sonja and Joel,
Words cannot express how sad we are to hear of Willy’s passing. He was a great guy and a gentle soul. There were great memories made with Willy and my dad. He and my dad bonded over education and of course their cows. He will be greatly missed. We’re so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest condolences. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Naser, Elin, and Parsa Ahmadpour
MERRIESTANFORD says
I am going to miss hime hw was a family member is going with us all the time he is are Angel. Now he is good he was in his home 🏡
Muriel Selk says
Sonja, Joel and family
So sorry to hear about Willy’s passing. Always saw him at Bobby Burns Celebration. Quiet with his special smile. May your memories and God’s love carry you through this difficult time.
Pam Beardsley says
Sonja, Joel and family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Willy’s always had a smile and kind word for everyone. Growing up in the Rosebud area I have a lot of great memories of Willy and his kindness. He taught both of my daughters in school and they just loved him. May God comfort you and give you strength today and in the days ahead.
God Bless you
Susan Sanderson says
Sonja, Joel, and all of Willy’s family,
I am so sad to see Willy has passed away. He was such a kind man. I loved visiting with him about any and everything. His passing will leave a huge hole in many lives.
I am sending my deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time.
RIP Willy.
Claudia Mitzkus Gross says
Willy’s family:: Sorry to hear of Willy’s passing. His sister Ann was in my grade at Rosebud School. Something I’d like to mention is what a good multiple event athlete he was. I used to visit with him at school as I was the cook there for a few years when he still ran the buses.
Kristi Stein says
Sonja, Joel and family,
Our hearts and thoughts are with you all during this loss of Willie. He has always been such a kind and caring man with the best smile. Your family will always be an extension of our family for Kendra, Garrett and I. Sending so much love and huge hugs your way.
Kristi, Garrett and Kendra Stein
Roberta A. Bunting says
Our thoughts and condolences to the Woods family! Willy was very much loved and respected as a teacher for 3 of my children. He was always a kind, positive teacher that made his students feel valued .The community will miss him! Sincerely the Wiltfang family
Cherie says
Sonja and Joel, we are truly saddened by the loss of Willy. You are in our thought and prayers.
Val and Cherie
Ellen Hart says
Sonja and Joel,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss of husband and dad. My sympathy to you.
Barb (Bonine) Holcomb says
Sonja, Joel and Woods family – shocked and saddened to hear of Willy’s passing. My prayers are with you. Treasure your memories and may they help fill the new hole in your heart.
Lynn Holland says
Woods Families,
Sorry to hear this about Willie. Known his family for a lot of years.
Willie is about 3 yrs older than me. We all went to school together
at Rosebud. Always had good visits with him. Met him often on the
road going to check his cows. Was a friend and good person.
RIP Willie. Lynn Holland
Beth Riggs says
Dear Sonja and family. We are so sad to hear about Willy’s passing . We met him when he was farming out at Pirogue Island and many kid events. He was always a friendly and gentle soul. May God send you comfort and peace at this difficult time. Love from Beth and Vic Riggs
Shirley Lund says
Sonja & Joel & families,
May peace & memories of a life well lived grant you peace as you remember Willie. Blessings Shirley
Jean says
I’m so very sad. One of the best have left us. I pray you are wrapped in Love at this time and for always.
Susan and Dennis Bakken says
Sonja and Joel. So very sorry for your loss.
Raylynn Sleight says
Wilie was one of the kindest men I knew! He was so supportive of his kids and I saw this many times while spending countless hours at your home making cookies with Trina during football season. The ending of this chapter is a challenging one and I know the grieving will be painful at times. You are loved by many and Willie’s memory will always be a blessing. My deepest condolences to Sonja, Joel, Wren and Lachlan.
Burch Palmer says
So sorry to hear. Burch and Linda
The Mott family says
Dear Sonja, Joel as well as the rest of the Woods family
I have finally found the words to express my deepest sympathy to all of you.
Willie was such a quiet and easy-going man. He was such a calming force in a very active household. He was a beloved teacher, father, and day care helper.
Thank you for everything Willie. May you reunite in heaven with your wonderful daughter Catherine.
Mike Bissell says
Sonja, so sorry to hear of Willie’s passing! I hope that your memories of your of your years together bring you some peace and solace! I will always remember my meetings with Willy and you! Always a pleasure to see you guys! Thoughts are with Sonja!
Felicia Macpherson (Enget/Schafer) says
Mr. Woods was one of my favorite teachers. I am saddened to hear of this. My prayers go out to the family.