Ms. Edna Respess Woolard, age 94, a resident of West 12th Street, Washington, died peacefully Friday, May 12, 2017 at her residence. Edna was born November 6, 1922 to the late William Asa Respess and Hattie Sasnett Respess. She was a 1939 graduate of Bath High School and the owner of Edna’s Fabrics. Edna was also an active member of First Christian Church of Washington. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren during the summers at the Creek House. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband, R. Frank Woolard, a son, Neil Franklin Woolard, one grandson, Wyatt Respess Blanks, two sons-in-law, Wayne Thomas Blanks and Glenn E. Smith, four sisters and seven brothers. Survivors include two daughters, Diane Woolard Smith, Loretta Woolard Blanks, and one son, Jeffrey Thomas Woolard (Kay Godfrey Woolard), all of Washington.

Also surviving are five grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. A celebration of Edna’s life will be held 11:00 am today at First Christian Church of Washington with Reverend Jacob Kines officiating and Carol Steffa assisting. Music will be provided by Beth Clark. Burial will follow at the Woolard family plot in Oakdale Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: William Cochran, Tommy E. Alligood, Steve Ainsworth, Keith Douglas, Timmy Douglas and Tommy Douglas. The family will receive friends following the committal service and other times at her home. A special thank you to caregivers Lisa Latham, Teresa Taylor, Judy Hodges, Brandy Nobles and all others at Community Home Care and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to First Christian Church, (The Flower Guild or the Memorial Park), Washington. Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 E, Washington, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Woolard family.