OBITUARY: Randy Bruce Woods

Randy Bruce Woods

Randy Bruce Woods passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023, as the moon was setting and the sun was rising. He had returned to his home in Mesquite, Nevada, from Huntsman Cancer Hospital, just 12 days earlier. Randy was 68 years old, or as he liked to claim, “I’m 29 years old.”

Randy was born in St. George, Utah, on March 1, 1955, the third child of Cresent Marion Woods and Ellen Hafen. His childhood in Mesquite was spent building huts (and burning bushes) on the Virgin River, running up the hot sandhills, barefooted, with his siblings, and inviting his friends home to eat his mom’s homemade pizza.

Randy married his high school sweetheart, Lori Johnson, on September 17, 1973, shortly after their graduation from Virgin Valley High School. They shared a fun life with their three children: Jeremy, Melanie and Rita. Randy built an addition on their home, raised a large garden, always owned a horse, and taught his children how to work hard.

In 1988, Randy’s children became friends with Gayle, Brad, Laurie, Greg, Teresa and Beth, who had recently moved to Mesquite with their mother, Nani Easton. After a fake wedding conducted by their children, Nani and Randy decided to make it official. They were married March 28, 1992 in St. George, Utah. Most of their nine children were teenagers, living at home, when the families united. Randy soon quit his paving job in Las Vegas, so he could spend more time at home before all of the children moved away.

His descendants have great memories of Easter campouts at Whitney Pockets, swimming in the pool ‘Papa’ cleaned even though he didn’t like to swim, eating vegetables and grapes from his garden, riding horses and digging the irrigation ditch at “the farm”, cheering loudly for his nieces and nephews and grandchildren at all their events from ballet recitals to wrestling matches, and hearing his stories. He could remember stories from every camping, hunting, and herding trip he ever took.

Randy attended theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where his favorite calling was Primary teacher along with Nani. He also served as the Single Adult Branch President, Stake High Councilor, and as a Senior Missionary with his wife in the Tacoma, Washington Mission. Other than his time as a missionary, Randy lived in Mesquite, Nevada his whole life.

It was Randy’s habit to be early and prepared for everything. He left this mortal life much too early for all who loved him, but he was at peace with his life and prepared to meet his Heavenly Father and his Savior.

Randy was everybody’s friend, a favorite Papa to all his grandchildren, a willing servant to anyone in need and an organized perfectionist in all his endeavors.

He is survived by his wife Nani Woods; nine children: Gayle (Ric) Peterson, Brad (Neelie) Easton, Jeremy (Hollie) Woods, Laurie (Brett) Parkinson, Melanie Woods, Rita (Shane) Cheeney, Greg (Lisa) Easton, Teresa (Donald) Yorgason, Beth (Rick Loveridge) Easton; 46 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Randy’s funeral services, were outlined by him several years ago. They included a request for no public viewing. A gathering to remember Randy will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 6pm to 8pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cultural hall. Family and friends can come and share memories. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 N Arrowhead Lane, Mesquite, NV 89027. Burial will follow at the Mesquite City Cemetery, 501 Hillside Dr Mesquite, NV 89027.

Family and friends are invited to leave memories and condolences at www.starmortuary.com.