Walter Woods and Lucy Woods

A rare, cool summer breeze drifted through the dry, dusky plains of North Eastern New Mexico on June 5, 1930, when Walter Warren "Woody" Woods made his earthly debut in the small town of Clayton.

After surviving the infamous Dust Bowls of 1937, the family made their way to Albuquerque, where Woody matriculated through the local schools and became a 4-year football and track letterman at Albuquerque High. He spent summers back at the Kitts family property in Clayton, where he worked the ranch and rode the regional rodeo circuit, bull riding under the alias "Don Pomroy". After gaining valuable experience as a smoke jumper for the forest service in Idaho and serving his country in the U.S. Army, Woody enrolled at the University of New Mexico where he earned a degree in Biology Education. He became a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and both his sons and one grandson followed that path after him. A fateful blind date with campus beauty queen, Lucy Krueger, was parlayed into a romantic life partnership that lasted over 67 years. The results: 3 subsequent generations of Woods; 4 kids, 9 grand kids, and 9 great-grands; all listed below.

Following a brief tenure as a high school biology teacher, Woody realized his occupational destiny in the real estate and building industry, first building tract homes in the 60's, then ever larger custom homes in the 70's and eventually building offices and apartments in Albuquerque with several key associates. The Woods crew became regulars on the NM and Colorado ski slopes, eventually building a condo project at Taos Ski Valley in the early 80's. They enjoyed many close relationships that centered around skiing and festive outdoor activities during all seasons. The most fearless of those participants were indoctrinated into the hallowed, spiritual environs of the Order of the Taos Periff, where Woody served as the ultimate authority.

Aside from being considered ski-run royalty, Woody and Lucy were active sportsters and adventurers. Spirited tennis sessions at the Tennis Club of Albuquerque were the norm, as were frequent cross-country bicycle excursions through France, Italy and other European countries. Skilled sailors, they explored the Caribbean and southern California coast. They skippered a series of sailboats in Dana Point for two decades, developing and cultivating close friendships there.

Woody's love of cooking started early in his life, initially taught by his mother, Oma (Nonie to most of us). Family recipes, along with European cooking techniques that he picked up on his bicycle trips, evolved into bountiful, gourmet classics, which were anticipated and enjoyed by all. Native New Mexican dishes, with a classical French touch, were his specialty. He was particularly fond of experimenting with new techniques and observing the expressions of out-of-area guests as they encountered a spicy surprise. Woody felt that preparing meals together enhanced relationships. He enthusiastically shared his cooking skills, which solidified connections with the younger generations and long-time friends. Earlier this year, with the help of talented relatives in Dallas, he was able to preserve this legacy when he published a cookbook, which included 10 of his favorite recipes. Those recipes are already inspiring younger Woods generations to carry on his traditions.

Warren Woods joined his wife, Lucy, in Heaven on Friday, February 12, 2021. He was extremely loved and respected by his family and friends. We will forever miss his kind heart, valuable teachings, keen humor and genuine interest in others. In addition to a wealth of extended family members and close friends, Woody is survived by his children: Dr. Mike Woods (Melissa), Janice Woods, Rusty Woods (Marceen), and Cindy Lewis (Mitch); grandchildren: Eric Woods (Courtney), Adam Woods (Hilary), Sara Puharich (Michael), Natalie Frank (Marcus), Ryan Woods (Dr. Hayley), Morgan Woods (Artie), Madi Woods, Dr. Taylor Lewis (Erin) and Riley Hill (Austin); great-grandchildren: Mason, Colin, Kate, Zoey, Sierra, Braylena, Bodhi, Lucy and the most recent addition: Bowie; his loving sister Wendy Woods Meyers; nephews: Ken (Lisa) Woods, Jim (Yvonne) Woods, Scott Sandlin, Rusty (Vanessa) Sandlin, Ray Selvy (Mary), Dan Selvy, Jim Selvy (Debi), Bernita Curry and Chuck Selvy.

Lucy Kreuger Woods entered this world on February 4th, 1935, in El Paso, TX, and set out on her journey into the afterlife on June 7, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. She enjoyed a very full life and was known for her grateful heart and joyful, optimistic perspective.

Lucy grew up in Albuquerque, NM, and matriculated through the Albuquerque public school system. She was a cheerleader at Jefferson Jr. High and served in the Homecoming Court at Highland High School. Lucy continued her education at The University of New Mexico (UNM) where she graduated cum laude, majoring in History and English.

A blind date in 1953 with local legend Walter Warren "Woody" Woods evolved into a whirlwind courtship, then marriage. Lucy and Warren wasted little time in starting their family, raising their children with a rich exposure to the culture and traditions of New Mexico. Vacations and weekends involved road trips to Elephant Butte, Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon and Taos Ski Valley, where they were long-time property owners and developers. On the business side, Lucy served as Vice President of the El Fiero Periff, LLC.

After a successful release of their offspring to the wild, Lucy and Warren expanded their activities on a global scale, with multiple biking trips to Europe and many self-crewed sailing adventures throughout the Caribbean. The couple also owned sailboats in Dana Point, CA, where Lucy honed her skills as a very competent first-mate. A seasoned athlete and keen competitor, Lucy was a black-diamond skier and well-known nuisance at the net on the tennis courts at the Albuquerque Tennis Club. She was a master gardener and served locally in the Junior League, Garden Club and Friends of the Library at UNM. In her later years, Lucy enjoyed spoiling her grand- and great-grandchildren, needlepoint, gardening, reading and playing mahjong with a treasured circle of friends.

In addition to a wealth of extended family members and close friends, Lucy is survived by her husband and BFF of 67 years, Warren Woods, and children: Dr. Mike Woods (Melissa), Janice Woods, Rusty Woods (Marceen), and Cindy Lewis (Mitch); grandchildren Eric Woods (Courtney), Adam Woods (Hilary), Sara Puharich (Michael), Natalie Frank (Marcus), Ryan Woods (Hayley), Morgan Woods (Artie), Madi Woods, Dr. Taylor Lewis (Erin) and Riley Hill (Austin): and great-grandchildren Mason, Colin, Kate, Zoey, Sierra, Braylena, Bodhi, Lucy and Bowie.

Lucy Woods was so loved and respected by her family and friends. We will forever miss her kind heart, beautiful smile, good humor and genuine interest in others.


A graveside memorial service will be held in Albuquerque at Fairview Memorial Park for both Walter and Lucy on Friday, September 24, at 12:30 PM, 700 Yale Boulevard NE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Walter's name to: Baylor Scott and White Hospital Foundation (DallasFoundation.BSWHealth.com), American Heart Association (heart.org), and in Lucy's name the family suggests donations go to the American Cancer Society: cancer.org