Joan Woodward, 86, of Bald Mountain Ranch, Tyrone, NM passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at her ranch home after a lengthy illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born on December 16, 1936 in Silver City, NM to her parents, Hulda Roukola Mahler from Finland and Ludwig Mahler from Germany. She was the youngest child and had five siblings: Carl, Hulda (Kennett), Wayne, Martha (Crosby) and Esther. Prior to her death, Joan was the only surviving family member. Joan and her siblings grew up in Central, NM and Silver City. She spent her entire life living in the area. She graduated from Teacher’s High School in 1955 in Silver City and then attended New Mexico Western College now known as Western New Mexico University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1959. She earned an additional master’s degree in education in the late 1960’s. While attending college, Joan was a scholarship recipient. She was also a member of the Chancel Choir under the direction of Rebecca Gamblin. She started singing with the choir at the age of 10 years old. The choir, which was part of the First United Methodist Church, was a prominent community group. The choir toured the area and presented concerts at Christmas and sang at special events around the Southwest. They traveled to Ft. Bayard Hospital monthly and sang to the patients, as well as presented musical selections for the Elk’s Club and the Kiwana’s Club. The annual Chancel Choir Christmas concert at the Methodist Church was an anticipated holiday favorite for all who attended.

 
While completing her degree at WNMU, Joan met and later married David Woodward, a local rancher in the community. Married in 1958 at the First United Methodist Church in Silver City, naturally the Chancel Choir sang at their wedding. Paying it forward, Joan recalled singing solos or with the choir for over 200 weddings and funerals in the area during the past 60 years. Joan and David celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in June, 2021 prior to David’s passing. They had three children, Jennifer, Susan, and William. Joan was a rancher’s wife and worked with David throughout their life together. She was his helper and his soulmate. They created a life together on the ranch, making improvements to the land and the homestead. Joan was a beloved 3rd grade teacher, teaching for most of her 30-year career at Harrison Schmitt Elementary School. Her first teaching experience was in Santa Rita, teaching 6th grade. In her later years, she taught grandchildren of her students in her early career. Many a child learned how to read, write, spell, and compute mathematical story problems with her strict but tender guidance. She also taught them to sing and act in Christmas plays such as The Nutcracker. Joan was a faithful member of the Copper CowBelles, Silver City Teacher’s Association and in her later years, sang in the Community Choir, directed by Mick Coon.

 
Joan is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Ware (Chris) and Susan Garrison (Gary) and son, Bill Woodward (Zelda). Grandchildren include Wayne Wills (Angelica), Joanna Whitaker Metz (Ryan), Wellington Woodward (Arianne), Ninnettia Woodward, Matthew Garrison, Walter Woodward, Kathryn Woodward, Danni Woodward Gavrielides (Jake), Zachary Ware (Kailey) and Joshua Ware. Great grandchildren include Landon Gavrielides and Christopher Ware. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Don Parker (Susie), Bonnie Parker Sabin (Ed), Elsie Parker (Wayne), Dan Kennett, Laura Crosby Meyer (Tito), Rachel Crosby Wagner, Carol Crosby-Read (Tim) and all their children and grandchildren. Additional nieces and nephews include Barbara Ranger Guber (Don), Richard Ranger (Alice), Gigi Ranger Ellis (Steve), Rolland Waldie (Judy), Howard Waldie, and Mary Waldie Vigil (Marty) and their children and grandchildren. Additionally, Joan is survived by cousin through marriage, Betty Pack. She had many precious friends and associates whom she adored. A special thank you goes out to the staff at the Cancer Center at Gila Regional Medical Center and the nurses at Ambercare Hospice. Their professionalism and kindness has been greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in memory of Joan should be sent to either of these worthy organizations.

 
A memorial service will be celebrated at a later date. Joan was a loving and hard-working woman. Her strength and courage were admired by all. She will be dearly missed.

 
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trust care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .