Martha Ellen Chitwood Woods

Martha Ellen Chitwood Woods, age 96, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 14th, 2015. Martha was born in Little Rock on July 26th, 1918 and was a graduate of Little Rock Senior High. She was a generous, loving and compassionate wife, mother and friend. During her life, her friendly smile, cheerful personality and infectious laugh brought joy and pleasure to many. She was a communicant of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock. She served many years as the Sunday School teacher for the 6th Grade Girls Confirmation Class during Dean Charles Higgins's time as Rector. In addition she was active in The Episcopal Church Women and several Guilds. Martha was confirmed at Trinity in 1951 while her husband, Major Joseph Attly Woods Jr. was serving overseas in The Korean War with the Arkansas Air National Guard. He was confirmed by The Bishop of Japan during this same time. Upon his return he joined her at their new church home. Being active in her community, Martha was president of the Girls Scout Council of Ouachita as well as a Girl Scout troop leader. Martha was a member of the Women's Emergency Committee formed in 1957 to reopen the Little Rock schools. This committee met in The Terry Mansion, which is now the Decorative Arts Museum. Martha presided as president of The Rightsell Elementary PTA, as well as co-president with her husband of Henderson Junior High PTA. In her neighborhood, she worked for the Red Cross, the Heart Fund, the Easter Seal, United Fund Drives and The Little Rock Garden Club. She served as Regent and Treasurer of the Gilbert Marshall Daughters of The American Revolution Chapter, and was a member of the Colonial Dames XVII. Martha and her husband, Attly were also very active in the McRae Chapter of the Eastern Star serving as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron. Martha was a full time wife and mother for many years, but later joined the work force. After 25 years of service, Martha retired from the U.S. Corps of Engineers and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Her husband, Joseph Attly Woods, Jr., her son, Joseph Attly Woods III, her parents O. M. and Roberta Chitwood, and her brothers, Ormond and R.B. Chitwood, preceded Martha in death. She is survived by her children, Jan Eastwood and husband Bill; Jim Woods and wife Jane; daughter in law, Anne Woods; seven grandchildren, Joseph, Jonathan, Campbell, Julia and Laurel Woods, Elaine Eastwood Poff, Jennifer Eastwood Kyle: two great grandchildren; James and Bayley; five nieces, Judy Krug, Betty Gail Finley, Robin Kolbinskie, Kim Freemen, Roberta Chitwood Lemke; and two nephews Boyd Chitwood and Shepherd Woods. A memorial service with Holy Communion will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 19th at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock with internment in the Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations/memorials to be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72206, 501-372-0294. The family thanks the wonderful staff at Briarwood Nursing for their loving care, as well Arkansas Hospice at the end of her journey. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.