Obituary Theda Margaret (Watt) Woodworth 1918-2014 October 17, 2014
Published:  October 17, 2014

Long time Santa Paula resident, Theda Margaret Woodworth, born on August 12, 1918 in Los Angeles, California to Werl “Bert” Watt and Mamie “Mimi” Osuna Watt, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, October 14th at the age of 96.  She lived a full and rewarding life and it is with great sadness that we say good bye to a wonderful loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend.  She will always be in our hearts. 

Theda began working for the Southern Pacific Railroad in the early 1940s where she met her husband John Woodworth.  They were married in 1943 and shortly thereafter, their daughter Jill was born.  Eight years later their son John was born.  Upon moving to Santa Paula in the mid 1950s, they took up residency in the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot for several years before moving to the Oaks.  Various employment opportunities came her way but her biggest love was working for Limoneira as secretary for over 20 years.  Organizing and setting up their company credit union was one of her major accomplishments both as manager and later as investment manager.  She served in that position for well over 40 years, putting together and publishing a monthly newsletter for the employees.

Always active in the community, Theda served as PTA President at both Isbell Middle School and Santa Paula High School.  She worked tirelessly as a member of the Soroptimist club serving two terms as their President.  Additionally she was active in the Ebell Club of Santa Paula, serving as their President for two years and was honored with the Women of Distinction award.

Theda is preceded in death by her husband, John West’lee Woodworth, the former councilman and mayor of Santa Paula.  She is also preceded in death by her sisters Phyllis Watt and Dolores Pontrelli Garafola, and her brother Don Watt.  She is survived by her daughter Jill Rode and husband Pete of Porter Ranch and her son John Woodworth and wife Jennifer of Clayton.   She was loved by her two grandchildren Peter Rode and Suzanne Hunt and her two great grandchildren, Devon and Owen Hunt.  She will be sadly missed but always remembered by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family as the lovely, generous, and classy lady that she was.

Private family services will be held at sea.




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