Benita Joyce Woods

Benita “Gertie” Woods passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 15, 2014. Benita fought and battled lung cancer for almost six years. Even though the cancer killed her body, it never destroyed her spirit.

Benita was born on September 2, 1941 in Austin, Texas. Benita grew up in Austin, Texas, attended Travis School, and temporarily resided in her beloved Oahu, Hawaii before permanently returning to the Austin, Texas area. She worked for many years at various nursing homes and hospitals in the area but her true passion was caring for her children, grandchildren, and her beloved “pet” daughter, “Juju”. She made her children and grandchildren priorities in her life and put their needs before her own. Her hobbies included animals, bowling, ceramics, gambling, antiques, classic muscle cars, shopping, and watching her hauntings and criminal/investigation television shows.

She was simply known to her family as “Gertie”. There is not one word that could describe Benita. To those who took the time out to know her, they found out she was loving, forgiving, put others needs before hers, and very strong willed. She was not a complainer but rather a “go-getter” in life. One of her doctor’s described her as a “miracle” and indeed, she was. Benita just simply made everything beautiful.

Benita was preceded in death by her son, Sammy Woods; son, Monroe Woods; daughter, an infant child; and daughter, Debi Ganske.

Benita is survived by her husband of 55 years, Obie Woods; daughter and son-in-law, Marcie and John Mendoza; son-in-law, Fred Ganske; grandchildren, Toby Ganske and his wife, Destin, Shawn Ganske and his wife Hannah, and Benjamin Woods; great grandchildren, Blair Ganske and Evan Kozojed; beloved baby “pet” daughter “Juju” and “pet” grandchildren, Peanut, Lucy, and Sophia.

Per Benita’s wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no service.

Benita’s family wishes to thank all our family and friends, North Austin Medical Center ICU nurses and doctors, her “drivers” from Austin/Travis County EMS #23, and her personal doctors and staff for their loving care and support. Very special thanks are extended to Dr. Thomas Tucker of Seattle, Washington, and Drs. Dennis Tweedy, Anthony Bittar, and Stanley Kim of Austin, Texas.

“I give you this one thought to keep- I am with you still-I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the sweet uplifting rush, of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone-I am with you still in each new dawn.” Native American Prayer.