Delores “Dee” Woods, 81, died on September 8, 2026. She was born on February 9, 1945, to Clarence and Mabel Larson in Toronto, South Dakota. She was the third of their four children.
In 1967, she married Earnest “Ernie” Woods just before he was deployed to serve in the Vietnam War. They raised two children, Dawn and Ernie Jr. She was devoted to raising her children, staying home with them until they reached middle school. She then took a job in the school cafeteria, choosing hours and vacations that allowed her to be home when her children were home. She later moved into kitchen work at 3M before becoming a receptionist there.
Mrs. Woods shared a deep commitment to honoring veterans and was actively involved in organizations including the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. She held numerous leadership positions within those organizations and frequently traveled with her husband to national conventions.
In 2005, following their retirement from long and successful careers at 3M, she and Ernie relocated to Texas. They shared 58 years of marriage until his passing in 2024.
In her later years, Mrs. Woods found deep purpose and joy in her community. She cherished her neighbors and remained active at Emory Methodist Church, Lake Country Neighbors, and Friends of the Library.
Mrs. Woods is survived by her daughter, Dawn; nieces, Brenda Hazledine-Greeninger, Linda Quaife and Marie Smith; her Texas nephews, Russ, Scott, Paul, and Robbie Beightol; and numerous nieces and nephews in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Alaska.
She was preceded in death by her husband; and son.
Interment will be in Minnesota beside her husband and son, Ernie Jr.