Veda May Wood, a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on September 23, 2026, at Decatur Health in Oberlin, Kansas, at the age of 103.

She was born on May 2, 1923, at her family home in Grant Township, Decatur County, Kansas, to Archie and Hazel (Huff) Van Gundy. She was the second oldest of nine children. She was blessed with a remarkable 103 years. Throughout those years, she shared her love, wisdom, humor, faith, and kindness with generations of family and friends.

After graduating from Norcatur High School in Norcatur, Kansas, in 1941, she moved to Hastings, Nebraska, and attended Bonnell Beauty Academy. There, she met Leon Champ Wood, who was working at the nearby naval base under construction. Leon later said he thought she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen and told his friend, “I’m gonna marry that girl.” True to his word, they married on June 12, 1943. They shared 59 years of marriage before Leon passed away in 2002, and together they were blessed with seven children.

Her faith was central to who she was, and she trusted in God throughout her long and beautiful life. She found joy in her family, strength in her faith, and gratitude in the many blessings she received along the way.

Veda also found joy in writing numerous poems and stories. She wrote weekly Lyle News columns for the Oberlin Herald and Norcatur News Sheet from 2008 until recently. She was a member of Liberty Star and looked forward to their meetings and quilting group. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles and rarely missed Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune. In the summer, she could usually be found deep in her huge vegetable gardens, and her root cellar reflected her hard work, with shelves lined with canned goods. Among the family favorites were her canned watermelon pickles.

She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generosity, sense of humor, and warm smile, as well as for the love she gave so freely to everyone around her. She will also be remembered for dropping everything to make homemade cherry pies whenever her grandchildren suddenly appeared with a bowl of freshly picked cherries. Her family will treasure memories of holidays, family gatherings, stories, laughter, and the countless moments that made her presence so special.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon; three sons, Merrit, Dwight, and Dennis Wood; granddaughter, Andria Cooper; son-in-law, Larry McNames; her parents; and seven siblings.

She is survived by her daughter Carol (John) Moye of Oberlin; daughter Sandra (Larry) McNames of Palco; son David (Tina) Wood of Stroud, Okla.; son Merlin (Teri) Wood of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; twelve grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and sister Sheryl Hill of Cape Coral, Florida.

Her 103 years testified to a life richly lived and deeply loved. While her family grieves her passing, they find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, resting in the loving arms of her Lord. Her legacy will live on through the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so generously.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” -Matthew 25:23