Mary Elizabeth Woodruff, beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at her residence. Born on October 7, 1933, at her childhood home in Ilsley, Kentucky, Mary lived a life full of purpose, compassion, and devotion to her family and community.
For fourteen years, Mary dedicated herself as a Vocational Rehabilitation Services Secretary. She also held the position of secretary at the First Assembly of God Church in Madisonville, KY, demonstrating her deep commitment to service and faith. Mary was also a member of the Dayspring Assembly of God Church in Dawson Springs, KY.
Mary is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Greg and Jeannie Woodruff of Paducah, KY, and Scott and Peggy Woodruff of Dawson Springs, KY. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life: Breanna (Sam) Longenecker, Dylan Woodruff, Scotty Jerome, and Alexus Jerome and her great-granddaughter, Charlene Elizabeth Longenecker.
In addition to her immediate family, Mary is survived by her sister, Sue Alexander of Madisonville, KY, and several nieces, nephews, adopted family members, and her extended family of faith.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Major Edward and Eunice Hinton Barnes, and her late husband, Ernest Ray Woodruff (departed August 1972,) two sisters, Lois Diestelkamp and Helen Fletcher, along with six brothers: James, W.D., Calvin, Carl, Buddy, and Charles Barnes.
Visitation for Mary Elizabeth Woodruff will be held on May 17, 2025, at Beshear Funeral Home, 201 N Main St, Dawson Springs, KY, from 10:00 AM until the 2:00 PM funeral hour with Rev. Kathy Redden and Bro. Alan Stokes officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Madisonville, KY.
Dylan Woodruff, Johnny Garrett, Jake Mawdsley, Ken Argo, Steve Sandefur and Tim Bruce will serve as pallbearers. Scotty Jerome has been named as an honorary pallbearer.
Expressions of Sympathy may be expressed with donations to be made to: Crayon Bucket Ministries, P.O. Box 63, Dawson Springs, KY 42408.
