Vivian Dorothy (Medearis) Hood

Vivian Dorothy (Medearis) Hood, long reborn in Christ, died peacefully at age 91 on Saturday, September 2, 2023 in Springfield, Missouri.

Born June 3, 1932, Vivian was the daughter of Alfred Jesse and Ocean (Irving) Medearis. They lived in a farmhouse near Russell, Iowa. Later, the family, including older brother, Olen, moved to a farm north of Chariton where the children attended school.

On June 5, 1949, Dorothy married Herman A. Woodard at the Baptist Church in Russell, Iowa. Lawrence A. Hood of Clinton, Wisconsin became her husband on July 8, 1978.

During her life, Dorothy was the second highest sales person of the Switzer clothing store chain. She also became manager at the Parklane hosiery in Omaha, Nebraska. In Clinton, Dorothy worked in the office at DeLong feed company.

She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Chariton and, later, treasurer of the Baptist Church in Clinton. She supported the Gideon Society and various animal welfare groups.

A highlight of Dorothy’s life was a trip to the Holy Land with daughter Sandra in 1967. She and Larry enjoyed trips at home and abroad. The couple retired to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.

Her final years were spent in Springfield where she was twice crowned Queen of The Manor at Elfindale.

Dorothy loved the Lord, her family and pets, flowers, good food, nice clothes and lively music. She will be remembered for her faith, humor and “Medearis hair.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and husbands.

She is survived by her daughter Sandra Woodard of Springfield; son David and wife Rhodora of Spring Branch, Texas; grandchildren Rachel Woodard of Dallas, Andrew Woodard and Sarah Woodard of Austin. Also left behind is a fat, gray cat named Toby George.

Dorothy shall be missed by nieces Deb McGee and husband Dan of Indianola, Iowa; Judy Kinsey and husband Karyl of Des Moines, Iowa; Marci Ruff and husband Brian of Knoxville, Iowa; and nephew Kenny Medearis and wife Nash Bella of Des Moines, Iowa. Close to her were cousins Marilyn Woods and husband Junior of Farmington, New Mexico and Becky White and spouse John of Safford, Arizona. Others of the Medearis and Irving families shall remember her, as well as friends and caregivers.

Arrangements are with Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton.  Visitation is 10 a.m., Saturday, September 9 and funeral services at 11 a.m. This will be followed by interment at Chariton Cemetery.

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