Anita Jean Woods

Anita Jean Woods

Anita Jean Higgins Woods of Palmer, died on 24 September 2021 from complications of cancer. Jean, as everyone called her, was born 17 November 1931 in Waupaca, WI to Loyal and Irene Higgins, the second of three children. Jean grew up in Clintonville, WI, moving with her family to Warsaw IN for her senior year of high school. After high school graduation, she attended Ball State Teacher’s College (now Ball State University) graduating with a dual major of Physical Education and Social Studies.

Jean arrived in Alaska on 1 September 1954 with a contract to teach P.E. and US Government in Palmer. She planned to stay in Alaska for two years if she really liked it. On August 6th 1955, she married Noel Woods and never did leave Alaska. After her youngest child entered school, Jean returned to teaching as a substitute in the Palmer area schools until the mid-1970s.

Together Jean and Noel ran several successful small businesses, raised four children and welcomed seven grandchildren. Jean was a board member and volunteer at the Palmer Public Library and a 4-H group leader for several years. Her background in Social Studies and belief in the importance of an informed electorate led to her membership in the League of Women Voters and Mat-Su Republican Women’s Club. Additionally, she was a member of the legislative ethics committee during the writing of the Alaska State Constitution. Jean was a member and board member of the Matanuska Sportsmen Club and a founding member of the Alaska Outdoor Council. Together with Noel, Jean worked to get the funding and permits for the Matanuska Valley Sportsmen Club range building.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Barbara Ann and Wesley Godfrey, daughter, US Air Force Captain Barbara Nakajo, and grandsons US Army Specialist Shane Woods and William Nakajo. Her husband Noel followed her in death the next day. She is survived by daughter, Lynn Miller, sons, Wayne and Nathan Woods and five grandchildren.

Jean said that she wanted to enjoy flowers while she was alive so, please consider a donation to a local library or literacy program in lieu of flowers.

A memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer at 2 pm on 4 December 2021. A celebration of life will be held on June 25th 2022 at the Palmer Depot.