Obituaries detail

Josie Lynn Woodward, Age: 24
Nov 23, 2000 - Oct 06, 2025

Josie Lynn Woodward brought joy and laughter into the world from the moment she arrived on November 23, 2000, in Blue Springs, Missouri, to her loving parents, Michael and Wendy Woodward. From her earliest days, Josie had a light that radiated kindness and a sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest day.

 

Growing up just down the street from her elementary school, Josie spent her childhood playing with neighborhood friends and filling her days with laughter and adventure. She attended Delta Woods Middle School and graduated from Blue Springs South High School, where she proudly danced as a member of the Touch of Silver Dance Team. Her love of friendship and fun poured out of her through every performance and every moment in between.

 

Josie continued her education at the University of Missouri, where she was a proud member of the Golden Girls and Delta Delta Delta sorority, as well as an exceptional nursing student. Her compassion and dedication led her to a career in nursing, where she made a profound impact as an ICU and pain management nurse. Josie’s patients and colleagues cherished her for her warmth, empathy, and infectious positivity—qualities that earned her the prestigious Daisy Award for extraordinary nursing care.

 

Josie was known for her silly, goofy personality, her ability to make everyone feel seen and loved, and her endless compassion for others. Whether she was dancing in the kitchen, cracking a perfectly timed joke, or simply listening with her whole heart, Josie’s presence brought comfort and joy to everyone around her.

 

She is survived by her parents, Michael and Wendy Woodward; her sister and best friend, Addi Woodward; her grandparents, Walt and Cheryl Woodward, Steve and Diana Sproul, and Larry and Betty Shell; her uncle and aunt, Eric and Mindy Sproul; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family who will miss her dearly.

 

Josie leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness—a reminder to live with open hearts, to find joy in the small things, and to never lose the ability to be a little bit goofy. Her laughter will echo in the hearts of all who knew her.

 

The family finds comfort in knowing she will be greeted with love by her Uncle James Matthew Woodward, who preceded her in death.

 

Services will be held on Thursday October 16, 2025 at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church (4725 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064), with visitation from 1:00–4:00 p.m. and the service immediately following.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to honor Josie’s legacy of compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others.

Donate to Help the Woodward Family Honor Josie's Legacy

Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Woods Chapel United Methodist Church
Address:
4725 NE Lakewood Way
City:
Lee's Summit
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64064
Date of Service:
Oct 16, 2025
Time of Service:
01:00 PM
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Additional Service:
Memorial Service
Location:
Woods Chapel United Methodist Church
Address:
4725 NE Lakewood Way
City:
Lee's Summit
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64064
Date of Service:
Oct 16, 2025
Time of Service:
04:00 PM
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:

Condolences

Kim Woods Oct 09, 2025

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Josie I’ll never forget your voice, your wicked sense of humor and of course how beautiful you were/are. I’ve been praying that Brad, MB, Ania and Yvette will find you and love on you! The Woods family loves you from here to there❤️🌈

Studdards Oct 09, 2025

Friend ,Bates City ,Missouri

Our family sends love and prayers from our home to yours. We will forever be thankful for the kindness and extra time she took in making our new freshman on TOSDT feel so welcome. We are sincerely sorry for the loss, and cherish the memories made with her. If there is anything at all your family needs, do not hesitate to reach out.

Nicky Raston Oct 09, 2025

Mike and Wendy, I am so sorry. May God’s love wrap its arms around you during this time.

Lisa Oct 09, 2025

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Woody, Wendy, and Addie, We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Josie. She was a bright light and a beauty inside and out. We are sending our thoughts and prayers during this difficult tine. Love and hugs to you all! The Smithpeter’s

Chris and Laura Gilpin Oct 09, 2025

Friends of Woody ,Independence ,Missouri

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts ache for your family during this unimaginable time of grief. Sending prayers

Watsons Oct 09, 2025

Family Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

My heart is absolutely broken for your family. I can’t begin to imagine the depth of your pain, but please know you are so deeply loved and held in my thoughts and prayers. Your sweet girl’s light will never be forgotten, and neither will the love she brought into the world. She will be missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing her. I’m here to hold space for you in any way you need. My whole family sends their love ❤️

Christy Smedley Oct 09, 2025

Cousin ,Hallsville ,Missouri

Mike and Wendy, I am so incredibly sorry for this loss. To see you such a beautiful soul taking from us way too quickly. I know that her and Matt are up there together, but it breaks my heart that you guys have to go through this. I know that so many people looked up to her, including Addie. She will never be forgotten and always be remembered for the beautiful, funny, crazy Woodward soul that she was and still is. Addi-I am so sorry, sweetheart. My heart is broken for you so I can only imagine what you’re feeling right now. I see so much of your sister and you even though we’re not close and I know we’re not but when I do see you I always seen a little bit of Josie at the same time. You are such a beautiful young woman and my heart goes out to you as I said before I know we’re not super close, but I’m always here no matter what. I love all of you guys so very much and my heart is with you all. I will never let go, and I will never forget her.

John and Debbra Keener Oct 09, 2025

Friend ,Hallsville ,Missouri

John and I send our deepest sympathies to your family. May god be with you during this very difficult time. Love you all!

Giron family Oct 09, 2025

Woody I’m so sorry for your loss my daughter Stephanie told me and I couldn’t believe it, may god bring confort to you and your family may god rest her soul, we will be praying for you🙏🙏🙏🙏

David L Wallace Oct 09, 2025

Friend of her granddad ,GrainValley ,Missouri

I'm so sorry to hear this Michale to have a child has died before you now and I send all my condolences to you and your family and I will keep you in my prayers are with you and your family.

Craig Dierking Oct 09, 2025

Co-worker of mother ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

Wendy and Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

The Sullivan Family Oct 09, 2025

Friends ,Loch Lloyd ,Missouri

Josie's legacy will live forever. We will miss her but know we will see her in heaven. Zero doubt she is at peace with our Lord. We all love you, Josie. And will miss you deeply...for now.

Vicky Sneed Oct 09, 2025

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Holding you in my heart. The passing of your sweet girl is just unimaginable. Please know that you are surrounded by love. Sending you peace and strength my friends. Love you.

Matthew Hackett Oct 09, 2025

Teacher ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

She is a bright young lady. She always demonstrated kindness and warmth in class. The reunions in heaven will be joyful- both in receiving her and when she welcomes the rest when our times come. The truth is she knows peace and love we have only seen glimpses of down here. Her family and friends’ love all point to the author of all of the best things. We only see in part. Josie sees it clearly now. The grief is powerful. It points to love we still have left to give and reminds us what matters most. I hope the shared stories of her life remind you of her impact and purpose. The sadness will one day be replaced by joy and hugs. Praying for strength and patience for you until that day.

Danielle Springer Oct 09, 2025

So sorry for your loss, I only met Josie a few times but her presence always filled the room. May your family be blessed with comfort and peace in the coming months.

Tom and Pat Wiseman Oct 09, 2025

Cousins ,BLUE SPRINGS ,Missouri

You and your family have our deepest sympathy for the loss of Josie. Hold on to each other for comfort and support. You are in our thoughts.

Dianna Heffernon Oct 09, 2025

There are no words. My heart aches for you. All my love, thoughts and prayers for you. Love Heff

Rita and John Saladino Oct 09, 2025

There are no words to ease this pain ! But know we are lifting you up in prayer! May she be in the arms of the angels forever! We are so incredibly sorry!!

Savanna Salazar Oct 09, 2025

Friend

Josie was the most empathetic, loving, and kind person I’ve ever met. She truly was a light in this world, and I know in my heart that her beautiful spirit will continue to live on through all those who knew her. I will never forget her smile, her laugh and the way that she cared so much about other people. I am praying for everyone that had the honor of knowing Josie, I am so sorry for this unbearable loss.

The Thuet Family Oct 09, 2025

Sending our prayers and love to you. May you draw on strength from one another and feel God’s love. Josie’s beautiful light touched all who knew her. With her big eyes and her bright smile she never knew a stranger, and she lit up the room. I pray that you all find some peace.

Monique Mabin Oct 09, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Praying that God’s love and peace surround you, Woody and Addi as you walk through this heartbreak. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.

Annie Pottios Oct 09, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Josie, You are such a special person that I will always be so grateful to have been apart of your life. I will never forget our fun times on the sidelines together at Mizzou. You always went 100% at everything you did. I was always so impressed at how hard and dedicated you were to dance. Along with dancing next to Josie, I got to work with her at the famous G&D in Columbia. Josie always had my back and helped me during our shifts together. She would give the shirt off of her back to anyone.. and I now will walk through each and everyday like Josie would. With my head held high and a positive attitude. She radiated so much positivity and happiness all the time. It was infectious. We need more people like Josie in this world. She will be remembered forever. I love you Josie. Fly high ❤️ To the Woodward family, thank you for raising such a beautiful daughter. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you find some peace in knowing the impact Josie made in this world. I will be praying you guys.

Cress' Oct 09, 2025

Neighbor ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

Mike, Wendy and Addi, our hearts ache for your family. We are so sorry for your loss. We send our deepest sympathies prayers. Ali Jo, Johnny and John.

Christy & Jeff Buckner Oct 09, 2025

Counsins ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Praying for Mike, Wendy and Addi. Your entire family are in our thoughts.

Skip Kernan Oct 10, 2025

Friend ,Swansea ,Illinois

Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.

Michele Spilker Oct 10, 2025

colleague ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

Debbie Rico Oct 10, 2025

Friend ,LENEXA ,Kansas

Dear Woody, I am heartbroken to hear about your dear daughter. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.

Jean Gard Oct 10, 2025

Josie and Addi’s music teacher at VSE ,Port Richey ,Florida

My heart is broken to hear of Josie’s passing. When I think of her I remember big smiles ALL THE TIME, laughter, and genuine love for all around her. She lit up the room when she entered! My prayers will be for your sweet family to find peace and comfort during this difficult time!

Teresa Twyman Oct 10, 2025

TT ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

Wendy, Woody, and Addi, my heart is broken for you. I love our Josie. You entrusted me with your precious baby girl and as I cared for that sweet, beautiful, tiny baby, I saw her turn into an inquisitive, funny, kind, loving child. She always had that beautiful smile, those bright eyes, and care in her heart for others. She was quick with hugs and a friend to all. One of my favorite memories of her is she always noticed when I changed out my decorations for the seasons. She would walk around the house finding all the new things and commenting how she liked it. To this day, when we change something, Ted & I will say, "Do you think Josie will like it?" When Addi was born, Josie was the protective, proud, loving sister. Addi, she loved you so much and my heart aches for you. Big Hugs, Sweetheart. I am deeply saddened that our Josie isn't here with us but I will always keep the beautiful memories of our Sweet Josie in my heart as I know you will, too. Always remember, Ted & I loved her like our own and so happy that she was a part of our lives. We will be praying over all of you that our Lord & Savior will give you strength, comfort, and peace. Big Hugs and much love to all of You. Teresa(TT) & Ted

Elaine Dull Oct 10, 2025

Dance world-judged Josie at high school dance tryouts and competitions. Our granddaughter, Josie, danced with her at BPM. ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

I’m so sorry! We lost our adult daughter in 2021. I hurt so bad for her family & friends. Please consider the Grief Share course that we offer at 1st Baptist Blue Springs. Maybe not yet-but keep it in mind. It has been a tremendous tool for processing & surviving such a loss. You have my continued prayers!

Lexi Symonds Oct 10, 2025

Friend and Tri Delta sister ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Sending Josie’s loved ones thoughts, prayers, and strength as they navigate through this time. I had the privilege of knowing Josie for a few years. Living in the house with her and creating memories as we graduated Mizzou was something that I will never forget. She always had the biggest smile on her face and was the first person to always say good morning. Her joy, laughter, and love will live on forever. May God take her into his arms and bring her peace.

Kelly Ashworth McKinney Oct 10, 2025

friend ,Southlake ,Texas

Wendy, Woody and family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Praying for peace for your family.

Kevin and Laura Seward Oct 10, 2025

friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Woody and Wendy, we are so sorry for your loss. May god bring comfort to you and your family may god rest her soul, we will be praying for you.

Barry & Patty Seward Oct 10, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. May God bless you and keep you. God has Josie now in his arms. Draw comfort from each other in this difficult time. Love to you all!

Jeff and Carolyn Marsh Oct 10, 2025

cousin ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

It's impossible to understand why Josie was taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you hold a very special part of having such a precious girl to love and adore. Our faith reminds us, "Absent from the body, present with the Lord". 2 Corinthians 5:8

Gavin Watson Oct 10, 2025

Childhood Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a great all around person and she will be missed dearly. Growing up with her was an absolute pleasure.

Nick & Patti schuh Oct 10, 2025

Friend ,Lees summit ,Missouri

Nck & I I are so sorry. Our prayers go out to your family.

Christi Vanleeuwen Oct 10, 2025

Friends with Wendy and Woody ,LEES SUMMIT ,Missouri

I cannot begin to imagine how you’re feeling! I am praying for all of you in your time of need. I love you!

Brie and Dan Noud Oct 10, 2025

Former employees/coworkers of Woody and Wendy ,Leawood ,Kansas

Sending our dearest condolences. We are so sorry for your loss.

Courtney Maher Oct 11, 2025

Colleague ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

My heart goes out to your family. Josie was such a kind and bright person. She will be forever missed.

Jessica and Ryan Cline Oct 11, 2025

Your Josie exuded love and light. The heartfelt impact she made in nursing for colleagues and patients is incredible. Those within the profession are lucky to have had her as one of their own. There are no words to tell you how much we are holding you in our hearts and in our prayers. Please know that her beauty and empathy in memory will continue to touch so many lives. Much love to you and your family.

Karstan Oct 11, 2025

friend ,Lees summit ,Missouri

Josie was an amazing person, she had an amazing sense of humor and was always so driven. She was the big sister I never had.

Sara Zollars Oct 11, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I met Josie at Cottonwood Springs and we immediately became fast friends and stayed in touch continuously. She was one of the best people I have ever met bringing light and laughter to everyone she touched. I am devastated by her loss but hope she is now at peace. She will be remembered forever.

Pat and Vernon Oct 11, 2025

We are family through Linda Sue ,Columbia ,Missouri

There are no words that exist that can describe the pain, the anger, the ache that we feel with you. We know, unfortunately, that terrible things can happen to the best of people. Though we have never met Mike, Wendy, Josie, or Addie, we know the stories And we love your family. Please know that our hearts are with you in a very deep way. I believe that God has Josie in his arms and all of her tears are gone. For you, my friends I know this has been a year and there’s a mountain ahead of you. I will be praying for God‘s greatest peace, his peace that passes all understanding to settle upon your hearts. When it’s time, draw joy from her laughter, her joy, her successes. Not one of you could have made a difference “if you’d only…” Don’t hurt yourselves that way. Remember how much she was loved and be sure she knew that. Forgive her and have peace. So much love to all of you.

Mia Davis Oct 12, 2025

Studio J ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Josie was truly a beautiful person inside and out. We are so deeply sorry for your loss.

Joyce Reeves Oct 13, 2025

Friend ,Pleasant Hill ,Missouri

I did not know Josie long, but the few times we chatted, she was so relaxed talking to an older woman. She was so sweet and she was indeed a very beautiful young woman. I know her Uncle Matt was waiting for her with open arms. The Woodward family has our support in any way. Bless you all.

Valarie Geirge Oct 13, 2025

Tylers grandmother ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Dearest Wendy and Woody..and all of the family and friends of Josie. I have such a broken heart over Josies passing..It has driven me to my knees in prayer for all of you. I will never forget the first time Tyler brought her over to meet me!! I fell in love with her the moment I met her!!!! I was so blessed to know her and I grieve so deeply for Tyler and all of you...one day we will see her again and Jesus will assure us face to face that she is well... she is at peace.... and she LIVES!! JESUS HAS TAKEN HER TO HIS FATHERS HOUSE AND HE HAS PREPARED A PLACE FOR HER..ONE DAY WE WILL GO TOO AND BE WITH HER!! Thankyou JESUS FOR THE HOPE OF HEAVEN OUR ETERNAL HOME

Bryan and Nancy Greaser Oct 15, 2025

Friend ,Cape girardeau ,Missouri

We are so sorry to hear of sweet Josie’s passing. We always loved our visits with her when we were in Columbia for game days or visits to the Tri delt house in Sierra. I hope you find peace and comfort, knowing she was so well loved and an inspiration to so many!

Katie Pennington Oct 16, 2025

Friend ,Blue Springs, Mo ,Missouri

Josie was consistently accepting and kind. She was deeply passionate about her dance and cherished her family. Her warm smile was always present. We have known her since sixth grade having lived in the same neighborhood, my children going to the same schools and sharing memories in friend groups. Prayers and uplifting to the family and friends.

Tiara hudson Oct 16, 2025

Friend from work ,Kansas city mo ,Missouri

To the family and friends I’m so sorry about your loved one loss she was a good person when she was working at Saint Joseph Medical Center you will be missed

Sunni Alford Oct 16, 2025

My deepest condolences and prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Davis Jean Oct 16, 2025

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Dear Wendy, Woody, Addi, Steve and Diana, My sincere condolences to you as you grapple with Josie's passing. May God give you strength and courage. Lisa, Julie and I mourn for you. We send our love and prayers. Most sincerely, Jean Davis

Jean Davis Oct 17, 2025

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Dear Wendy, Woody, Addi, Steve and Diana, My sincere condolences to you as you grapple with Josie's passing. May God give you strength and courage. Lisa, Julie and I mourn for you. We send our love and prayers. The Go Fund Me donation to honor Josie is from my girls and me. Most sincerely, Jean Davis