Betsey Serena Bittle Woodward

Betsey Serena Campbell Bittle Woodward, 78, of Winona Minnesota passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Monday, January 22, 2024. She was born on March 29, 1945, in Winona to parents Vernon and Frances Campbell, where she attended WK elementary and both Winona Junior and Senior High. She was an active participant in cheerleading, student council and started the drill team, The Missteps. After graduating, she attended the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in Nursing.

She married Richard “Dick” Bittle in April 1966 and together they had three sons, Curt (Winona), Cory (San Antonio, TX) and Rick (Winona). She enjoyed a very extensive career, often saying that she never worked a day in her life. She was an ER nurse at Divine Redeemer Hospital in Minneapolis before graduating and after spent 23 years in the Community Memorial Hospital ER. During her time there, she earned her master’s degree in counseling from Winona State University and after transitioned into her role at Southeast Technical College teaching nursing for over 30 years. Betsey loved to bring humor to teaching and would often wear hats and give out candy to bring joy to her students.

She remarried in 1993 to Fred Woodward of Winona and was widowed in 2002. She was a longtime member of Pleasant Valley Church and enjoyed being a part of the Praying Moms group. She was loved and adored by her family, who will remember their mom and grandma as the free spirited and genuine woman she was. They have many fond memories of summers on the river, breakfast dates at Perkins and family holidays playing games together. Betsey always thought of others first and gave her time and resources generously to anyone in need. She lived simply, frequently shopping at the Dollar Store and thrift stores.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Vern and Frances, husband Fred, and Fred’s daughter Tina Rivers who was also a very special friend to Betsey. She is survived by her three sons, Curt (Candy), Cory (Jen) and Rick (Sara), five grandchildren (Carlie, Cassidy, Mackenna, Sydney, and Brody), five great grandchildren (Jordyn, Harper, Averie, Laney, and Mila), Fred’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and many, many friends.

The celebration of life, visitation and service will be held at Hoff Celebration of Life Center on Friday January 26^th. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and memorial service from 4-5 p.m. In memory of Betsey, who had a flashy and fun fashion sense, we invite you to join us in wearing bright colors and patterns for service.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the Betsey Bittle Woodward Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Minnesota State College Southeast, A Technical & Community College, Foundation. (Checks may be written out to MSCS Foundation.)