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Molly Woodward

March 28, 1959 - September 22, 2020

Molly Kay Woodward (Naughton), 61, was born on March 28, 1959, to Norris and Helen Naughton (McDonald) in Des Moines, Iowa. Molly passed into the loving arms of God on September 22, 2020.

Molly married Mark Woodward in 1987; they had two children, Kelsey in 1988, and Jake in 1991. They lived and raised their children together in Ankeny, Iowa. Molly was a wonderful wife and mother. She loved her children more than anything in the world.

Molly was a legendary bartender for several establishments in Des Moines. After having her first child, she started her 16-year career as an in-home childcare provider. She provided fantastic care and was loved by the countless number of families and their children. She then moved onto a career as a successful real estate agent until she retired in 2008.

She was louder than life and loved her blues music. She was the life of the party. Mark and Molly loved to go on cruises, vacations, and travel to blues festivals. You always knew where she stood and how she felt. Molly had a huge heart and cared about everyone. Molly was very tough and resilient. She overcame a lot of struggles in her life.

Molly was preceded in death by her father, Norris Naughton; her mother, Helen McDonald; her brother, Mike Naughton; her mother-in-law, Mary Pettijohn; father-in-law, Forest Woodward; and countless other friends and family members. We find comfort in knowing she is with all of them and is now at peace.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Woodward; daughter, Kelsey Woodward (Pat); son, Jake Woodward; sister, Patty Plummer (Bob); niece, Natalie Olson (Bill); nephew, Matt Plummer (Shawna); brother-in-law, Mike Woodward (Karla); niece, Ashley Fain (Woodward); and niece, Kayla Heilers (Woodward).

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2020, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Ankeny Memorial Services of Iowa, located at 4208 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, Iowa 50023. Her cremains will be buried at a later date.