Bertha Woodward, age 90, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away peacefully early in the morning on September 24, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Born on December 14, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Margaret and Gus Paul, Bertha grew up understanding the value of family. On October 1, 1960, she married her beloved husband, Lester Woodward. Together, they built a life and a family in Platteville, WI. Sadly, on April 10, 1975, Lester passed away, leaving Bertha to raise their four children who were under the age of 13. Her true character shone through as she went to work as an administrative assistant. Her sharp skills in typing, organization, and attention to detail served her well as she supported city managers, engineers, and lawyers ensuring her children never wanted for anything.

Once her children graduated high school, Bertha moved to Phoenix, Arizona, continuing a dedicated administrative career that spanned over 30 years. In Arizona, she embraced one of her greatest joys: watching and caring for her three grandchildren who lived nearby. She formed unique, irreplaceable bonds with each of them that were deeply felt until her final days. Despite the miles, her heart remained tied to Wisconsin. She kept close tabs on her Midwestern grandchildren, always asking about their school, sports, and activities. Bertha made frequent trips back to Wisconsin for special milestones, often bringing her Arizona grandchildren along because she believed nothing mattered more than keeping her family connected.

Bertha’s capacity for love was also reflected in her friendships, maintaining rare bonds that lasted over 70 years. She was a woman who gave everything she had. Nowhere was this more evident than at Christmas, her favorite time of year. Even during times when she struggled financially to pay her own bills, Bertha made sure Christmas was special. As one of her grandchildren perfectly put it, “Wait until Grandma Bertha comes, she will put Santa to shame.”

Baking was always one of Bertha’s passions. Her legendary cashew cookies were outstanding and impossible to replicate. She never missed a beat making sure her children always had their favorite cakes on their birthdays. Christmas baking was a weekend event with anyone who wanted to help, making everyone’s favorite cookies and treats to share them with all she knew.

Bertha also loved entertaining. Many celebration parties were planned, whether birthdays, kids’ sports celebrations, dinners, or her annual Valentine’s Party she hosted after moving to Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Woodward; her father, Gus Paul; her mother and stepfather, Margaret and Homer Sharar; her sister and brother-in-law, Deloris and Carl Haas; her brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Jan Paul; her grandson, Travis Studnicka; and many other extended family members.

Bertha’s enduring love lives on through her surviving family: her four children, Steven (Lisa) Woodward of Flower Mound, Texas; Rick (Kathy) Woodward of Watertown, WI; Barbara (Philip) Studnicka of Plain, WI; and Timothy (Robin) Woodward of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren, Nicholas and Alissa (Tucker Epp) Studnicka, Granddaughter-in-law Shannon Studnicka, Theresa (Brent) Reierson, Elizabeth and Megan Woodward, and Logan, Tori, and Taylor Woodward; and her precious great-grandchildren, Corbin and Olivia. She was also survived by her brother James (Jan) Paul.

She also leaves behind her treasured longtime friends, including Rhoda Thomas, Dottie Jaster, Bobbie Driscoll, and George Walker.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 14, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Platteville. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Bertha Woodward

December 14, 1935 - September 24, 2026

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