Published on August 28, 2025 10:18 am
Last Updated on August 28, 2025 10:18 am
Helen F. “Susie” Woods, age 79, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away at 10:15 pm Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Cisne Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Cisne, with her loving family by her side.
Susie was born on June 22, 1946, in Clay County, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Helen (Cannon) Hamilton. She was united in marriage to Ronald Dean Woods on April 22, 1962, in Clay County, and they shared 60 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on March 19, 2023. A woman of many talents, Susie’s passion for crafting illuminated her days. She was the proud owner and operator of Bitter Sweet in Flora, where she shared her love of sewing and creativity with others. Her flair for finding hidden treasures led her on joyful antiquing adventures, where each discovery seemed to mirror her vibrant spirit. In addition to her creative pursuits, Susie’s culinary skills were well-known and deeply appreciated by family and friends alike. She worked at various restaurants in the area, embracing every opportunity to share her love for cooking and baking. A treasured tradition in her family, she relished in teaching her grandchildren the joys of the kitchen, ensuring that her recipes and techniques would be passed down through generations. Family was at the heart of Susie’s life. She held an unwavering love for her family, dedicating her time to create lasting memories with them. Together with her husband, Ron, Susie enjoyed traveling, exploring the beauty of Florida and visiting numerous National Parks across the country, creating a wealth of experiences filled with laughter and adventure. Susie’s strong faith was a guiding force in her life. She was a dedicated member of the Xenia Christ United Church in Xenia, where she found community and fellowship among like-minded individuals who shared her values.
Susie is survived by her children: Herbie (Kim) Woods of Flora, Rhonda (Mike) Burdine of Xenia, Shawn Woods of St. Louis, Missouri; 5 grandchildren: Brittany (Justin) Cook, Dakota (Cassie) Woods, Michael Wayne Burdine, Brody (Kari) Burdine, Bailey Burdine; 12 great-grandchildren: Jackson Cook, Jaymen Cook, Tylee Cook, Tripp Cook, Cohen Woods, Sienna Woods, Raelee Burdine, Teigan Burdine, Lainey Burdine, Emory Burdine, Briar Burdine, Joie Ann Burdine; a sister: Charlene (Rusty) James of Clay City; brother: Stuart Hamilton of Flora.
In addition to her husband, Susie was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson: Austin Woods.
Memorial services to celebrate Susie’s life will be held at 6:30 pm Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Xenia Christ United Church in Xenia with Nathan Whitehead officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday at the church from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Susie’s memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children. The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the family’s care and the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Susie, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.