Elizabeth Woodside

F. Elizabeth (Statz) Woodside departed this life on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha at the age of 98. Elizabeth was born to William and Hazel (Adamson) Statz at the family home in Nelson, Nebraska, on August 7, 1925. However, the doctor did not sign the birth certificate until August 10th, which then became her official birthdate. This made for much confusion when asked when her birthday was.

Elizabeth graduated from Nelson High School in 1943. She attended Hastings College and received her teaching certificate. She taught two years at a small country school in the Nelson area, and then moved to Cozad in 1946 to teach sixth grade. Her future father-in-law, Ray Woodside, was the first person to greet her in Cozad. For three of the years she taught in Cozad, she boarded a room at Ray and Martha Woodside’s home. She later taught in North Platte and Scottsbluff, before returning to Cozad to marry Harlan Woodside on June 15, 1952.

Elizabeth was baptized and confirmed at the Nelson Christian Church. Church was always an important facet of Elizabeth’s life. She because a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church (which later became Parkview United Methodist Church) after her marriage. She was active in the life of the church by teaching nursery school for 8 years, serving as lay leader, and serving in different capacities with the United Methodist Women. Elizabeth created banners and bulletin boards displayed and enjoyed by church members.

Family life was important to Elizabeth. Harlan was the love of her life, and this union was blessed with children Patsy, John, Steven, and Susan. She created a loving home and filled her days with her excellent cooking, sewing, gardening, and canning. She loved attending her children’s activities and supporting them.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Her father was killed by lightning when Elizabeth was 12, and her mother was left to raise the children and run the family farm. Elizabeth came by her strength naturally. Elizabeth continued to live in the family home after Harlan’s death until her death. Tragedy struck on September 7, 2023, when daughter Patsy Ann died in her Omaha home. 

Survivors include her children John (Lisa) Woodside of Salem, South Carolina; Steven (Joni) Woodside of Columbus, Nebraska; and Susan Woodside (Clay Stonestreet) of Cozad, Nebraska. She is loved and missed by her grandchildren Darren (Jennifer) Woodside of Niceville, Florida; Matthew Pella (fiancé Cidney Hemingway); Chelsey (Brandon) Jacobitz of Holstein, Nebraska; Dustin (Sarah) Woodside of San Antonio, Texas; Zachary Pella of Denver, Colorado; Renae Pella (fiancé Franklin Magana) of Denver, Colorado; and Christina Woodside of Columbus, Nebraska. She was blessed with great grandchildren Grayson and Harlyn Pella, Hope and Hannah Woodside, and Conrad and Reese Woodside; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Elizabeth lived a full life and enjoyed visiting with people. She loved her coffee, cappuccino, and strawberry shakes. Pies were a specialty of hers, which is something she shared with her mother. Family get-togethers were never complete without her delicious potato salad. In these later years, she would say “those were the days, my friend.” She touched many lives through her teaching and church work, and we have been blessed to be a part of her life.

Memorials are suggested to Cozad Fire & Rescue. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Bellarmee Milosi officiating. Burial will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Friday, September 29, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.

Service will be live streamed at Cozad UMC YouTube channel