Betty (Baltierra) Woodard

Betty (Baltierra) Woodard, 94, of Smyrna TN and formerly Richford NY, went home to her Lord on Saturday, February 11, 2017 as a result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Betty was born to Jesus and Margarita Baltierra in Hardwick, CA in 1922. As one of many children in the Baltierra family, she worked hard assisting her family in earning an income. A talented vocalist and musician, she and her sister Mona performed on local radio. In her late teens Betty, Mona and her friends were enjoying a day in the town park in Hanford CA when they were joined by a group of young service men. "See the one with the moustache?" Betty whispered to her companions. "He's mine!" Carl Rogers Woodard, the man with the moustache, met Betty that day, and after enjoying some ice cream together with the group, they began a romance that would last for over 50 years.

Carl and Betty were married during World War II. After first settling in CA, they moved later to Carl's hometown of Richford NY. A move back to CA and a move to Binghamton NY occurred before they settled in Richford for the rest of their marriage. Betty and Carl raised three children in Richford - Patricia, Marjorie (Margie/Bunny), and Chris. Known to all her many friends as a woman of extraordinary faith, Betty was a member of the Dryden NY Presbyterian Church and the Smyrna TN Presbyterian Church. One of her most important legacies was the love of her Lord that she passed down to many generations of family. While in Richford, Betty was a highly valued long time employee of Cornell University and fully involved in her community. The true treasures in her life, however, always were her family; there was nothing more important to her than spending time with her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren and many relatives.

After Carl passed away in 1993, Betty made her home in TN in 2001 with her daughter, Margie, spending summers back in NY with her son Chris and family. She enjoyed her many friends from the church, and most especially her time with her extended family. She never lost her love of music and enjoyed playing a ukulele and singing.

Betty is survived by her daughter Margie (Phil) Hardin of Smyrna, TN, her son Chris (Anne) Woodard of Ithaca NY, and her son in law Merle Negus of Richford NY. Grandchildren include Randy Negus of Sanford FL, Cary (Donna) Negus of Goodlettsville TN, Rev. Kelly Negus (Lisa) of Elma NY, Melanie (Andy) Noe of Hermitage TN, Chris (Kim) Glover and Jeffrey (Tish) Glover, both of Murfreesboro TN, Allison Woodard of Ithaca NY, and Shelly Faling (Craig) of Lyman SC. Betty's great-grandchildren include Sarah (Mike) Tomassini, Faith Negus, Grace Negus, Morgan Negus, Anna Negus, Gaelen Negus, Gabriel Negus, Graeme Negus, Gracey Noe, Emma Glover, Annelise Glover, Andrew Glover, Molly Glover and Wesley Glover. She is survived as well by her sisters Margie (Sal) Morales and Angie (David) Salazar of CA, sister in law Toni Baltierra of CA, many nieces, nephews and friends, and her very special, loving caregiver, Charlotte Taylor who attended to Betty every day. Betty also held a special place in her heart for her constant companion, Margie's dog, Rudy.

Betty was predeceased by her parents Jesus and Margarita Baltierra, her husband, Carl, her daughter, Patricia Woodard Negus, and her siblings Jess (Jesus), Mona, Fannie, Larrie, and Chonte (Ascension).

Services will be held April 1, 2017 at the Richford Congregational Church, Route 38, Richford NY. Calling hours are from 1 - 2 PM, with funeral at 2 PM. Burial will follow immediately at Highland Cemetery in Richford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna, 540 Sam Ridley Parkway West, Smyrna, TN 37167. Woodfin's Funeral Home in Smyrna, TN and Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca, NY are handling the arrangements.