Feb. 18, 1955 ~ Oct. 1, 2023
On October 1, 2023 Tess Robison Woods was the guest of honor at a most joyous family reunion.
Tess was born to Melvin Junior and Pearl Brinkerhoff Robison on February 18, 1955. She grew up on her parents ranch in Flowell, Utah where she made many happy memories while working and playing hard.
Tess graduated from BYU with a degree in computer science, but found her true professional calling in teaching. She enjoyed her time at BYU where she played saxophone in the Cougar Marching Band and developed a love of BYU football.
Tess served in the London, England mission. During that time, she came to love the British people and gained an even deeper love of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Wearing her mother’s wedding dress, she married Richard Woods on June 18, 1993 in the Manti Temple. Rick and Tess enjoyed a courtship filled with BYU football games and outdoor adventures. They started their life together in their newly built home in North Ogden and have been there ever since.
At the age of 41 she gave birth to her first child, McKayla, and realized her lifelong dream of motherhood. Megan arrived soon after and completed their family. Tess was a devoted mother and took great pleasure in supporting her girls in everything they did.
Once her girls were in school she returned to teaching where she had a huge impact on the lives of hundreds of Kindergartener’s at Majestic Elementary. Mrs. Woods had a special way of connecting with children and gave them a marvelous start to their school years.
Tess took her love of gardening to the next level when she planted a large patch of raspberries which grew into Woods Berry Farm. Tess’ golden raspberries are known not only for their distinctive appearance, but also for their exceptionally good flavor. Few people have the patience to tend to and pick raspberries the way she did. Tess loved running half marathons but trail running was by far her favorite.
Throughout her life she was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She magnified any calling she was given and continued to serve faithfully in her calling as compassionate service leader while in the early stages of her own illness.
Many of Tess’ greatest life pleasures came in small packages. Budding berries, little kindergartners, and tiny granddaughters. Tess was a wonderful playmate and Nana to Layla and Evelyn and was blessed to spend time with her newest granddaughter, Charlotte, in her final weeks.
Tess is survived by her devoted husband, Rick; daughter’s Mckayla (Garrett) Gardner and Megan as well as her darling granddaughters Layla, Evelyn and Charlotte. Tess will be sorely missed by her Mother, Pearl Robison, her brother Durand (Julie) Robison, foster brother Alvin (Cindy) Young, and a brother-in-law Dave Ellison. She was preceded in death by her father Junior Robison and her sister Wendy Ellison.
A viewing was held Sunday, October 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church at 250 W Elberta Drive. Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 9 with a viewing prior from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
We are so thankful for the incredible and compassionate care she received at Maple Springs in Brigham City and at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
