ffered the opportunity to manage a TEXACO gas station on East Lincoln Way in Ames, and his career as a business owner in the gasoline and service station industry began. Woody's service station location moved a few times in the first decade of his career until he bought the DX station/property at the corner of Clark St and Lincoln Way in 1965. For over 35 years, this corner became a welcomed 'home' in the Ames community for full-service gas, car repair, U-Haul rentals and a hot cup of coffee. With a heavy heart, Woody closed his service station in 1990 but in true Woody fashion, he jumped back into the Ames community working several jobs and wearing many hats (he liked hats!), until settling into a field consultant position with Iowa Subway Development from 1996-2006. Retirement not being in his vocabulary, Woody then spent the following decade at George White Chevrolet as a service driver, making new friends along the way. As his sister Sue once said, "Kent never met a stranger he didn't like." For Woody, work was never 'work', he found meaning and fun in everything he did, and being in service was a foundational aspect of his life. Through the years he was a member and held board positions with many organizations including the Ames Jaycees, Mary Greeley Meals on Wheels, Ames Chamber of Commerce, the Midwest Service Station Association, Ames Town & Country Kiwanis, and the First United Methodist Church. To know Woody, you would also know Linda, his wife of 64 years. They had a loving and happy marriage. Woody's eldest granddaughter, once asked, "Grandpa, 50 years with one person? Don't you two ever get bored with each other?" And he replied, "No, Quinn, she's my best friend." Woody and Linda's story began when they married on June 28th, 1959. They went on to build a beautiful family starting with Jill, who incidentally was born the day before Woody was struck by lightning at the station (another great story), then came Julie, Matt, and Mindy. For 42 years the Woodworth's called the house at 603 Northwestern home and Woody was certainly at its heart. All friends who entered felt like family and all were welcome. The family grew and Woody and Linda became loving grandparents to ten grandchildren - Quinn, Tyler, Samantha, Maddie, Kelsey, Jake, Harrison, Clove, Logan, and Vince; and four great grandchildren - Oliver, Vivian, Emily, and Lucas. In 2011, Woody and Linda joined the Northcrest Community and continued building friendships into their golden years. Caring, selflessness, and a love for life drew people to Woody's side, wanting to be a part of whatever he was up to. Funny and quick-witted, he had a way of making everything interesting and fun - whether it was hanging wallpaper or changing the oil in a car - he did it with a skip in his step, a story to share, and love in his heart. Woody shared many of his gifts with us throughout his long life, but one of his superpowers was simply making people feel 'at home' in his presence. His lessons and spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed. We love you, Woody! Services for Kent "Woody" Woodworth will be held on January 26th at 2pm CST at the First United Methodist Church in Ames, to be followed by a Celebration of Life from 3:30-5pm at Northcrest Community Grand Room. Please join us! In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Heartwood House, Northcrest Community Foundation, or First United Methodist Church in Ames, Iowa. Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com