Thelma Ellen Woodall

Thelma Ellen Woodall died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Springfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Springfield MO. She was 97 years old.

Thelma was born Thelma Ellen Sanders on May 12, 1928, in Ava, Missouri, to mother Ola Sanders. Ola and Thelma moved to Davenport, Iowa shortly after Thelma’s birth. She grew up in the Davenport area, surrounded by the cast of characters who made up her loving family. She loved the Mississippi River her whole life and always thought it felt like home.

Thelma Sanders and Richard Woodall were united in marriage on December 22, 1951, in Yellville, Arkansas. Thelma enjoyed her role as wife, homemaker, and mother to three children: Barbara, Todd and Penny. Thelma liked planting a garden each year, old time country music, and kicking up her heels on the dance floor from time to time. She loved to travel and was happiest in the passenger seat of the family car on the way to visit family. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing the countryside go by on road trips throughout Iowa, Missouri, California, and all the western states in between. She visited as many casinos as possible wherever her travels took her, often leaving with more money than when she arrived – she was a lucky one!

Thelma was proceeded in death by her mother Ola, husband Richard, grandson Mathew Woodall, sons-in-law Richard Payne and Mike Miracle.

She is survived by her children Barbara Payne of Muscatine, Iowa, Todd (Sara) Woodall of South Daytona, Florida, and Penny Miracle of Springfield, Missouri, as well as grandchildren Nathan Payne of Muscatine, Brandon Miracle of Springfield, and great-granddaughter Kamryn Woodall of Bakersfield, California. She is also survived by special cousins Carl and Bonnie Boehl of Eldridge, Iowa.

Per Thelma’s request, there will be no funeral services. Her local care has been entrusted to Clinkingbeard Funeral Home of Ava Missouri. Trimble Funeral Home in Moline Illinois has coordinated the burial at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Thelma will be laid to rest with her husband.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at the Springfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Her final two years and three months were spent surrounded by caring staff and cherished residents who became adopted family members to the Woodall clan.

Thank You to Seasons Hospice for helping us navigate this difficult journey with delicate kindness and compassion.

On line condolences may be made to www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.