Gene LaVerne Woodhams

With deep sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved Mom and Grandmother Gene LaVerne Woodhams, 99 of Fife Lake, Michigan. Gene gained her Angel wings at her home surrounded in love with family. Gene was born in South Boardman, MI on January 19, 1926. She was the oldest daughter and fourth of six children of Seymour James and LaVerne Eliza Ryckman (Jenkins). Gene graduated from Kalkaska Public Schools in 1942 and went on to Central Michigan University where she graduated with her master’s degree in education. Gene LaVerne Ryckman married the love of her life Victor James Woodhams Sr on June 19, 1949 in Lansing, MI. They were married for over 50 years before Victor gained his angel wings in 2000. During that time, they had one child, they bought the family farm on Shippy Road, where they spent the rest of their lives together. Their shared passion for farming and family built the foundation of generations to come. Gene started her career at Shepherd Public Schools while Victor taught at Merril Public Schools before moving to Fife Lake, MI where Gene taught briefly at Fife Lake School before spending the remainder of her teaching career at Kalkaska Public Schools. After retirement from teaching, Gene spent her time tending to gardens, growing beautiful flowers, instilling life lessons in her Grandchildren, and hosting wonderful family get togethers. Gene was a member of the East Boardman United Methodist Church, Red Hat/Purple Dress Association, Michigan Education Association, and while in college was part of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority House. Gene was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 50 plus years, Victor J. Woodhams Sr, Grandson Josiah Woodhams and brothers Devere, Seymour, Willard, and Clesson Ryckman. Gene will be forever remembered by her son Victor J. (Carolyne) Woodhams Jr of Fife Lake, MI; Grandson Victor J. (Charlotte) Woodhams III of Delton, MI, Granddaughter Eliza (Ray) Cummer of Fife Lake, MI, Granddaughter in Law Nikki Woodhams of South Boardman, MI; Great Grandchildren Rowynn Eldridge, Colt, Lennon, and Bodie Woodhams, Ray Cummer III, Victor IV, Clifford, and HeatherAnn Woodhams; sister Virgil Uitvlugt; as well as many extended family and friends. Visitation will be held at the Kalkaska Funeral Home on Monday, December 22nd from 5 to 8pm with the funeral being held on Tuesday, December 23rd at 11am, final visitation will begin at 10am, also at the Kalkaska Funeral Home with a luncheon to follow at the Fife Lake American Legion Post 219. Burial will take place in the spring at Lodi Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Gene LaVerne Woodhams

January 19, 1926 - December 17, 2025