of Conway, AR
October 6, 1958 - July 10, 2024
Linda Annette Woodruff, wife, daughter sister, aunt, and friend, those titles can't even begin to describe the essence Annette was to us. This world is a brighter, kinder place because Annette was in it.
The beach was Annette's happy place. She was a lot like the ocean in life, she created so many gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) waves as she reached out to help others through teaching, mentoring, kindness, compassion and always love. Each of those she embraced also created waves, touching, encouraging and loving others. Those waves continue today cycle after cycle. We will never know how many lives Annette touched in her life and continues to touch because of her life. What we do know, through her example, is that by reaching out in love, kindness and compassion you can make ripples that can change the world. Annette believed this to her very core.
Annette had many passions in her life, being a member of the NASW-AR was one of her greatest ones. Annette grew up being what people called The Peacemaker. It isn't any wonder that she embraced being a social worker. She not only had the spirit to surround you in love whether you were a student of hers, a fellow social worker or a client, she also had the courage and inner strength to fight for you. With NASW-AR she served many years on the board. Some of those years as President. She also was involved in starting NASW-AR Leadership Academy, a program to help foster the social workers in our state, you were all part of her family.
Life wasn't always easy for Annette. During some of her darker moments she found AA. For 36 years she embraced the teachings of AA. Those teachings helped shape who she was. She had a deep love for all she met there and delighted in being a part of the Graced Women's Group. Each of you she met through AA became part of her family.
Family was priority to Annette. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ret Maj Charles Lewis Woodruff, Sr. and Clara Maud (Doss) Woodruff. Annette's wife, the love of her life for almost 30 years, Christel Throckmorton also preceded her in death. One of Annette's greatest joys was being an aunt to Justin Woodruff and Iris Rodriguez. She enjoyed spoiling them from the day they were born. They in turn, loved her fiercely. Justin Dwayne Woodruff also preceded her in death.
Annette embraced everyone she met. She looked for the positives in each individual, all of you became family. Annette would tell you, she didn't die, she's just beginning her newest adventure.
She is survived by Melanie Woodruff (sister) and Iris Rodriguez (niece) with her partner Josh Moen, Caroline Woodruff (niece) with her daughters, Emily Slachetka and Rachael Slachetka, Chuck Woodruff (brother) with his wife, Dawn (Snider) Woodruff and their children, Alex Riser with his son, Amos and his fiancé Ashley Stapleton with her son, Dexter. Andy Riser with his wife, Michaela and their son, Sam, Linda (Riser) Wilson with her son, Jonas Riser and husband, Brandon Wilson.
We respectfully ask that instead of flowers, you reach out to help someone in need or donate to a favorite charity. Annette often donated to Habitat for Humanity. Always remember kindness matters!
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
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18 Condolence(s)
Jan Chaparro
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
It is with deep regret and sorrow that I write this remembrance. I met Annette when I came to teach at UALR’s School of Social Work in 1993. She was an impressive student, but more importantly she became a close friend and colleague. She was warm, loving, and always accepting of diversity in all areas of life. She loved Social Work and the opportunities it gave her to help others, especially her students. Annette was a strong figure in helping Philander Smith College get its accreditation for their Social Work Program, serving as the Field Coordinator at the time. Unfortunately we lost touch after going our separate ways occasionally seeing each other and talking about the things we both loved professionally and personally. I will miss you my dear friend…Jan
Melanie Woodruff
Monday, July 22, 2024
You know. I come here, I read the messages and obituary but my heart still foes not accept this. She was always bigger than life. Even as illness took its toll on her body. I have watched as someone she she's looks like they are having a bad day and she will go out of her way to complement their eyes, or smile or outfit etc. How much more she did for those she knew and loved. Life will never be the same but if we all tried to follow her example maybe we can make life better for our loved ones and strangers we meet.
Annette is my big sister. More importantly she is my best friend and biggest fan. I still feel her here with me. Each step I take.
Hold her memory close and you will feel her with you. Cheering you on with each new project you embark on. With every sober step you take. With each new family you reach out to help etc. She is there loving you through it.
Love you all and am so grateful for your stories you shared and for loving Annette. She was truly blessed.
Love,
Melanie
Jo Ann Harris
Monday, July 15, 2024
I met Annette while attending UCA as a freshman. She was my first RA when I didn't even know what that was! She quickly befriended me, introduced me to others and showed me the ropes. I quickly learned what is was to become a good friend, even though she did help toilet paper wrap my bunk bed. That was a work of art! She was always a constant friend and wonderful influence on many of us at UCA. You can't make up friendship and love such as hers. She will be missed.
My heart breaks for the family.
Christal Aist Farris
Saturday, July 13, 2024
I am sad to hear of Annette’s death. I was her clinical social work supervisor, UALR, as she worked hard to obtain her graduate degree in Social Work. What a student: hard working, excellent student, responsible, compassionate, caring, and fun! She made my job easy! We lost touch after she graduated but I always heard through the social work network about the life changing differences she made in other’s lives. She is reunited with her Christel and together they continue to touch others. Rest In Peace, Annette.
Joyce & John Christopher
Saturday, July 13, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Annette came into our lives during her college years at UCA. She was always kind and helpful to any who she came in contact with. She and a group of students from church came over to our house on a regular basis to play cards, have devotionals, sing, talk and laugh together. Our prayers are for comfort and peace for her family and friends.
Carol wilkins
Saturday, July 13, 2024
I have so many wonderful memories of Annette and she is with me still. As a graduate student in Social Work Annette worked with me in Juvenile Court in Pulaski County. There, I became the student instead of teacher… Annette’s compassion for others over shadowed all else. I still have soul centering Native American flute music she recommended, think of the peaches she brought me from Round Mountain orchards every time I visit my family who now lives on Round Mountain.
Even though I have not seen Annette in years, she lives on in my heart
Shelley Seiler
Friday, July 12, 2024
Annette was a kind and gentle soul who undoubtedly made the world a better place.
Karmen Hopkins
Friday, July 12, 2024
Love.
Gwen Fleming Spjut
Friday, July 12, 2024
Annette was one of my best friends in high school
She always did have a heart of gold and compassion for all.
I know she is rejoicing in heaven. Prayers for her family and friends.
Annette Hernandez
Friday, July 12, 2024
Annette will be missed by a lot of people. She was always some one who you could go to and talk to her and she never turned you away. I always found her to be a beacon of light in my life when I was in highschool and I treasured all of our talks together. May God bless her and keep her in his loving grace.
The Flores Family
Friday, July 12, 2024
May You Rest in Paradise
Niki
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Annette was one of the most beautiful humans I’ve ever met in my life. I’m so grateful I crossed paths with her in this life. I know I will cross paths with her again. She will be forever loved and deeply missed. I love you sweet lady!!
Valerie Chism
Thursday, July 11, 2024
I met Annette when I was a freshman at UCA. She was so kind to my awkward socially inept younger self. She encouraged me to get involved in activities and made sure I had a way to church. I never forgot her kindness to me that first difficult year. I was fortunate to see her many years later and tell her how much I appreciated her. I know I am only one of many that were blessed to cross paths with her but I am grateful to be in that number. Rest easy Annette. Until we meet again...
Gail Rippy Horton
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Melanie and family: What a beautiful tribute to Annette. She was loved by so many and an inspiration to those she met along her way. Now she has begun a new journey and a new chapter. Annette will always be remembered and her legacy will go on. All my love and prayers to the Woodruff family
Keren Levenbach
Thursday, July 11, 2024
I never had the privilege of knowing or working with Annette. However, she played a significant role in helping me with a personal crises. I was attending the Arkansas NASW conference in 2003 when I received news that I had had a house fire in which my two beloved dogs had died. I was in complete shock and Annette overheard me explaining the situation to the desk clerk as I checked out of the hotel. Annette gently introduced herself and quietly just sat with me while I tried to pull myself together. I will never forget her kindness and grace. My deepest sympathies to all who loved her.
Doris Hutchins
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Annette and I were social workers in NASW. She was a hard worker and a pleasure to be around. She was a good role model. The world needs more
people like Annette Woodruff!!
Iris (Woodruff) Rodriguez
Thursday, July 11, 2024
A beautiful tribute from NASW Arkansas Chapter
Our social work community has suffered a great loss. Annette Woodruff touched the lives of many social workers. She is often spoken of in our community as a mentor, professor, volunteer, advocate, and friend. Annette was known for her warmth and inclusivity, often working her way around a room of social workers connecting with each and every one of them.
Her contributions to the field of social work are numerous: Annette, along with Susan Hoffpauir, published an article regarding mental health disaster response - Effective Mental Health Response to Catastrophic Events: Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina. She was active in NASW Arkansas holding many positions on the board including President, Vice President, Secretary, and North Central Branch Representative. She was instrumental in the creation of the NASW Arkansas Leadership Academy and was active as a taskforce member and mentor, in addition to serving on countless other NASW chapter and national committees. She received the Social Worker of the Year Award in 2002 and was inducted into the NASW Arkansas Hall of Distinguished Leaders this past spring. Annette worked at the VA for many years supervising students and her social work peers. She never hesitated to offer her guidance and leadership to other social workers and community members. She was an extraordinary person, and we will miss her dearly.
Karen Farrior
Thursday, July 11, 2024
A loss that will be felt for a very long time. Peace be with her in her new home with the Lord. Prayers for her family and friends.