Bernadine M Woodiwiss Obituary (2023)

Bernadine M. Woodiwiss (Bernie), 94, went to be with the Lord on September 22, 2023. She was born on November 23, 1928 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Fern Emma Kent and William Valentine Kryzak. Bernie moved to Ellensburg with her family in 1942 for one year before moving to Seattle, where her father found work in the shipyards. She spent two years in Seattle before moving back to Ellensburg. On April 1, 1945 (April Fools Day), Bernie (age 16) married Floyd R. (Bud) Woodiwiss (age 20). Both sets of parents were required to sign the papers for their marriage. In 1947 Bud and Bernie moved to Ronald, Washington, where they both worked in Salmon La Sac. In 1950 they moved back to Ellensburg, where Bud farmed for Knapp and Bolen while Bernie worked in retail. In the1950s Bernie took up square dancing then started bowling at the newly constructed bowling alley in 1958. Bernie continued bowling until she was 90 years old, often at competition level (bowling in state and national tournaments) while throwing a 15-pound ball. In 1968 Bernie became a Christian, attending Community Bible Church until 1990 when she joined the congregation at Calvary Baptist Church and eventually Liberty Bible Church. Bud and Bernie adopted Mark Woodiwiss in 1964 and adopted Chad Woodiwiss in 1966. Both Mark and Chad went to be with the Lord, Chad in 1972 at age 5 and Mark in 1984 at age 19. Bud and Bernie thanked the Lord for their precious although short time with them. In 1970 Bernie opened an upholstery shop so she could pay tuition for Mark at the Christian School (in the Denmark Schoolhouse). She worked at upholstering until she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1990 Bernie started quilting, becoming an accomplished quilter and winning over seventy ribbons for Best of Class, Best of Show, Superintendents, and Peoples Choice at state and local fairs. Bernie and her twin sister, Dorothy, were superintendents for the quilt exhibit at the Kittitas County Fair for 28 years, retiring in 2018. When she attended the Fair this year, she happily received a ribbon for just "being Bernie". Bud and Bernie celebrated 56 years together before he passed away in 2001. Bernie is preceded in death by her husband, Bud, her sons Mark and Chad, her siblings Margaret Barbaro, Patricia Weeks, Phyllis Hood, Iris Degerstrom, Robert Bemis, twin sister Dorothy Scheffelmaier and nephew Wayne Scheffelmaier. She is survived by her nephews Gerry Scheffelmaier, Robert Scheffelmaier (Jody), Ralph Woodiwiss (Dennet), niece-in-law Donna Scheffelmaier, grand-nephews Drew Scheffelmaier (Lyndi), Ryan Scheffelmaier (Amber), Sean Scheffelmaier and grand-nieces Monica Hammons and Cristie Schrock. She joyfully welcomed and cuddled her great-grand niece this summer. A memorial service officiated by Fred Lampley will be held for Bernie at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Liberty Bible Church, 507 N. Pine St., Ellensburg WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mazama Bible Camp or St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital in Bernies name. Brookside Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.