Ann Shumway Woods valiantly completed her mortal journey at her home on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Ann was born in Taylor, AZ on October 10, 1926. Her parents Vivien Rex and Elizabeth Solomon Shumway were thrilled, as their first infant daughter Edwynna only lived a few hours. Ann was a devoted sister to the siblings who followed–Shirley (Carl) Cole, Dale Rex (Naoma), Edwin Drew (Joan), Peter Delos (Loretta), Mary Louise (Wesley) Bowman, and Lane Morgan (Marylin). The family worked together on the farm in Taylor, AZ becoming industrious, educated people who contributed to their community. Ann excelled at music, playing the cello, singing and becoming a favorite accompanist on the piano. She attended Snowflake High School where she participated in plays, served on the student council and made life-long friends.
She enrolled at Arizona State College in 1944 studying home economics. Using shorthand and typing skills, she worked in the office of President Grady Gammage. Things became more interesting at college when World War II ended and the soldiers came home. She met a skinny piano player named George Andrew Woods, had a class with him in the chemistry lab, and married him on December 21, 1946. His parents, George Tennyson and Vilate Harper Woods were an important influence in her life. Seven children were born to these devoted parents: Ann Marie (Richard) Jensen, William George (Renee), Rex Andrew (Mary), David Jay (Joyce), Lawrence Edwin (Julie), Carol (Kerry) Johnson and Karen (Lenard) Brunsdale. There are 36 grandchildren, 100 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren who adore their Grandma Ann. All have been blessed, encouraged and improved by her influence–her love of nature, sports, music, learning and service. Using her home ec skills she created beautiful homes in Salt Lake City UT, Los Angeles CA, Pittsburgh PA and Mesa AZ, where her cooking, organizing and sewing abilities were evident–physical representations of her loving nature.
Ann and George started West, Inc. in the late ‘70’s and worked together to build a successful enterprise. She was a favorite of all the employees and continued to support the work of this business into her 90’s. No one ever wanted to miss Ann’s company Christmas party!
Ann was a devoted disciple of Christ and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all her life. She was an innovative Relief Society president and energetic Primary president who gained the trust and confidence of those with whom she served. She enjoyed her time working with young scouts and encouraged and supported her sons in earning their Eagle Scout awards. She loved and assisted missionaries, both from her family and her congregation. Throughout her life she handled large events with aplomb but shone brightest ministering to individuals. She had many opportunities to serve using her musical talents. One special assignment was teaching Primary children a new song for its debut in Salt Lake City—“I Am a Child of God.” Ann was a compassionate listener and taught others in a loving way. She truly radiated the love of God in every interaction.
Arrangements are being handled by Bunker Family Funerals. A viewing will be held at the Bunker Family Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa on Friday, September 15 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be at the Mesa Central Stake Center 925 North Harris Drive, Mesa, on Saturday, September 16 at 10:00 am with a viewing from 9:00-9:30 that same morning. The funeral service will be streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/DY-RreNolfs?si=dUEou4bpWP4AcQc4
The family expresses special thanks to Olita Talanoa for her excellent and loving care of Ann the past year and a half since our father passed.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
It was a privilege to know both George and Ann over many, many years. Ann was truly a beautiful woman inside and out, and I considered her to be one of my finest friends. What a grand reunion she and George are now having. And I’m sure there is some lovely music in the background. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Woods family.
What a beautiful biography for a lady that obviously lived an excellent life. My condolences to the family. She was the aunt to my late husband , Daniel Woods Haynie, and his siblings speak lovingly of Ann. Many blessings to her family.
We were unable to attend the funeral in person, but we watched it online and were so touched by the beautiful music and thoughts that were shared. We have known George and Ann for many years and enjoyed their talents and their love. I sat next to Ann in the choir each week as George helped us perform beautiful music. Even our adult children commented that they’d rather come to our ward at Christmastime because they knew the program would be outstanding. Their favorite was “Sing, We Noel,” and even they knew the words! Both George and Ann were so kind in opening their home for practices, and even special concerts performed by their own family. We loved being in their home!
They were our mentors in so many ways. When we were given the challenge/opportunity to raise our grandson, we had only to look at George and Ann for their example and how they lovingly raised Scott. If they could do it, we thought maybe we could do it, too. No empty nesting at our house, just like George and Ann. If our grandson could turn out as well as Scott, we’d be grateful!
Sweet Ann will be missed but she won’t be far away. She and George have left a great legacy for their family, and for all who knew them. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
Love
Jeff and Linda Pickles