Park, Luella Frances “Lula” (Woods)
WOODS, RIDER, PARKS
Posted By: Lisa Walden (email)
Date: 7/30/2021 at 23:54:14
Lula Frances Woods was born September 2, 1884, at Wilbur, Nebraska. She died at Lamoni Manor, January 25, 1985, at the age of 100 years, 5 months.
Lula's father, Andrew N. Woods, of Rockford, Illinois, and mother, Melissa Brewer Rider of Magnolia, Iowa were married at Wilbur, Nebraska. There they had 4 children, Nellie Irene, Lula Frances, Olive, and William Wallace.
In the spring of 1892, when Lula was eight, the family moved to Iowa, settling in Lamoni, headquarters of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of which they and the grandparents were members. Alvin and Electa were born in Iowa and shortly after the family returned to Nebraska, where Warren was born.
In 1902, the family moved to Delta, Colorado where Lula married Joseph LeRoy Park, January 9, 1905. To this union were born Herman Ray, Milas Eldon, Irvin Leslie, Andrew Lewis, Ada Irene, and Vern Albert, near Delta and Meeker, Colorado where the family had a ranch and a winter home in town so the boys could attend school during the winter months.
In 1931, the family moved to Lamoni for better education and church opportunities. The family benefitted from this move and all were members of the Lamoni Bands and Orchestras and participated in church, school, and Graceland activities. Although times were hard in the Depression years; they were happy years.
In 1941, the Park family moved to California for better work opportunities and to be near the Navy and Air Force bases where 4 sons were in the service of their country. Herman had died in Colorado while hunting.
Lula wrote many letters to her 4 sons during the war to encourage them and keep up their faith in God. Andrew was killed in the war when his plane crashed near the Philippines, January 7, 1945.
Lula was talented in music, art and homemaking. She served in the Women's Department, and as a pianist, music leader, and church school teacher in their congregation at Dinuba, California. She and her husband, Roy, believed in education and provided opportunity for all their family to graduate from high school and the three youngest also from college. Irene and Vern taught school for years, a job Lula inspired them to attain.
Lula and Roy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1955 in Dinuba, California - a happy time for all. In 1962, after the death of her husband and because of failing health, Lula entered Resthaven in Independence, Missouri. Here she painted many pictures and enjoyed learning to play the electric organ. She was happy helping others in the home.
Soon after Lamoni Manor was built, she moved to Lamoni, Iowa. Here she had her 100th birthday celebration on September 2, 1984, which was hosted by Irene and Lawrence Vogel. Some of her oil paintings were on display.
Lula began painting after her son Milers left for the Navy in 1929, and left his oil paints at home. Rather than see them dry up, she decided to try to paint. This was an undeveloped talent until then, but she became very good and gave paintings to most of her family, nieces and nephews, and friends.
Lula was of strong faith and courage and steadfast in her example of righteous living. She was loved and respected by family and friends.
Surviving are her daughter, Irene Vogel, and husband, Lawrence of Independence, Missouri, grandchildren Mary Lois Vogel of Independence, Missouri, Joy Irene Delgado and husband, Javier, of Saltillo, Mexico, Anna Lynn Vogel of Memphis, Tennessee, David Lawrence Vogel and Debra and two great-grandchildren, David-Andrew Lawrence and Katherine Rose of Glendale, Arizona, one foster grandson, Don Keeler and wife, Mary, five foster great-grandchildren and five foster great-great-grandchildren, of Creston, Iowa; daughters-in-law Ann Park of Kanoehe, and Mary Lou Park Blish and grandchildren Debra Ann Guam and family, Frances Louise Bohnsack and husband, and Larry Park, all of Phoenix, Arizona; two sisters-in-law, Eloise Woods of Santa Cruz, California, and Kay Woods of Oakhurst, California; nieces and nephews Blue-bell Godfrey of Creston, Iowa, William Gift Godfrey of Fresno, California, Melissa Dalzell of Yreka, California, Wilbur Woods and Wathena Ballantyne of Independence, Missouri, Norman Woods of Tacoma, Washington, Darlene Melton of California, Marilyn Smith of Fresno, California, Clara Mitchell of Lenexa, Kansas, Eldon Woods of Los Angeles, California, Robert Woods of Fresno, California and many nieces and nephews of the Park family.
Funeral services directed by the Lamoni Funeral Home were held Tuesday, January 29, 1985, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lamoni RLDS Church in Lamoni. Officiating were Elders: Joe DeBarthe, Elbert Thomas, and Robert Bruch. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery.
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