Marguerite "Rita" Ward Woodson

Funeral services for Marguerite “Rita” Ward Woodson, 101, will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Open Range Fellowship Church in Greenwood, Louisiana. Officiating will be Pastor Dennis Aaron. Interment will follow in Forest Park West Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to service time at the church.

Rita was born July 15, 1922 in Bonham, Texas to John and Clara Roy Ward. She passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023 in Shreveport.

Rita, who was better known as “Granny” to most, spread love and joy to those around her and was loved by all.

Rita met her future husband, Glendell “Woody” Woodson, the love of her life and father of her children during World War II. They were married on October 4, 1943 and spent 70 years happily married. Rita had a vigorous work ethic and was co-founder and operator of Ranchland, Inc. for 65 years. She was a long-time member of Western Hills Baptist Church and attended Open Range Fellowship Church for the last several years. Most importantly, she was a devout Christian, loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Later in life, Rita enjoyed singing gospel music, eating candy, and spending time with her family and friends. She loved reading the Bible, so much so, that even after her vision started to fail, she appreciated someone reading it aloud. She had the remarkable ability to make people feel special with her presence and had an infectious smile. Though she will be missed on earth, her legacy will resonate with her loved ones forever.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Glendell “Woody” Woodson; parents, siblings, Hoyle Ward, Lila Mae Ward, Thomas Ward, Paul Ward, and Billie John Ward; son, Danny Woodson and daughter-in-law, Kathy Woodson. Left to cherish her memory include her son, John Woodson and wife Teresa; daughter-in-law, Sue Woodson; grandchildren, Kayce Wright and husband Alan, Jennifer Blakey and husband Clint, Wendy McCalister and husband Dean, Leslea Mudd and husband Bobby, Tracie Woodson, Nicole Veltri and husband Josh, John Ward Woodson, Jr. and wife Kelli; Brian Daniel Cascio and wife Toni and Courtney Smith and husband Jeff; and 21 great-grandchildren; and wonderful caregiver, companion, and BFF, Desiree Buie.

Honoring Rita as pallbearers will be Billy Mixon, CK Carter, Rick Morris, Jerry Pylant, Tom Bell and Rusty McKinley. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Wilson, Cleve Weisgerber, Bobby Leflett, TB Porter, Jack Dillard, Joe Murray, Leavy Nuggent, George Chambers, Jerry Parks, Cecil Gates, Don Stoddard, David Porter, and Jack Bass.

Words do not express how thankful we are for Penny Johnston and Jenienne Bloodworth for the selflessness and caring for Granny. The family would also like to express their sincere appreciation to Lifepath Hospice and especially Lauren Jordan.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Open Range Fellowship Church in Greenwood, Louisiana.