Carol Woodfork, 87, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026.

Carol was born on September 8, 1938, in Doland, South Dakota, to Otto and Marian Hansen. She married the love of her life, Oscar Woodfork, on December 4, 1955, and together they built a life centered on hard work, love, and family. 

To so many people, Mom was unforgettable. She was feisty, strong-willed, and never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. She worked hard every day of her life, whether she was tending bar in her younger years or later managing the local grocery store until she was no longer able to work. She took pride in everything she did, and there wasn't a person in town who didn't know who Carol Woodfork was.

To us, though, she was simply Mom. 

She taught us what it meant to work hard, to stand up for ourselves, and to love our family without hesitation. She wasn't always soft around the edges, but no one ever questioned how deeply she loved the people who meant the most to her. As our families grew, we were blessed to watch her become Grandma and later Great-Grandma. Some of our children's favorite memories are the summers they spent with Grandma and Grandpa—days filled with laughter, simple adventures, and the kind of love that only grandparents can give. Those summers became stories they still tell today.

Mom also knew how to enjoy life's simple pleasures. She loved playing bingo and cards with her family and friends. She looked forward to drives to Aberdeen with niece (Dear Friend), Shirley May. Looking back, we realize it wasn't the big events that mattered most to her—it was the time spent with the people she loved.

Special memories our children will carry with them forever are her amazing back rubs, as well as the songs Grandma sang from the time, they were babies. Her sweet voice singing, 

"I love you, yes I do,

A bushel and a peck,

And a hug around the neck,"

became a tradition that wrapped every grandchild and great-grandchild in love. Even now, hearing those words brings her right back to us.

Above everything else, Mom loved her family. She adored our dad, Oscar, and it brings us comfort to know they are together again. She was a loving mother to Fay and Rod, a proud grandmother, and an overjoyed great-grandmother. Her family was always her greatest accomplishment, and we never had to wonder how much she loved us.

Carol is survived by her children: Fay (Ron) Wolff and Rod (Michelle) Woodfork her grandchildren: Brook (Matt) Wolff-Coffman, Jamie Wolff, Cameron (Hollyn) Woodfork, Trae (Alex) Woodfork, and great-granddaughters: Scotlyn, Londyn, Avery and Rowan. She was preceded in death by the love of her life Oscar, her parents Otto and Marian Hansen, her sisters Joyce, Bernadene, Donna (Sis). Her brothers, Lyle and Lester.

Carol’s celebration of life will be determined later.

There are some people whose place in your heart can never be filled, and our mom was one of those people. We will miss her laugh, her strength, her stubbornness, her stories, her hugs, and even the way she always told us exactly what she thought. She taught us more than she'll ever know, and the love she gave us will live on in our children and grandchildren. We are heartbroken to say goodbye, but we find peace knowing she's home again with Dad. Until we meet again, Mom, we'll keep singing your song, telling your stories, and loving our family the way you taught us to.