Donald Keith Wood

Donald Keith Wood died in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at the Haven of Show Low in Show Low, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 71 years old. Donald was born on April 6, 1943 in Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa to his parents, the late Walter Amos and Alma Bertha (Crosby) Wood. Donald a graduated from the 1961 Class of Ventura High School in Ventura, Iowa. A few short years later, Donald married his life's love, Donita Sue Ransom, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura, Iowa on September 6, 1964. Donald knew the value of a good education and went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Forestry in 1967 from the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. Following his graduation, Donald began a long and successful career for the U.S. Forest Department. He worked as a District Ranger and Forest Planner for a combined total of 32 years. He especially enjoyed his position as a District Ranger because he was able to experience the out-of-doors, up close and personal. Some of his favorite activities occurred in the forests where he worked. He always put his family above all else and, together, they shared countless camping trips where they enjoyed hunting and fishing. Donald was expert at Fly Fishing, even down to tying his own flies. He was also a gifted craftsman and enjoyed making sawdust in his woodshop at home. Many of his woodworking creations are now considered to be priceless treasures by his family. Donald, also loved traveling with his wife, Donita where one of their favorite destinations was Hawaii. Donald is survived by his wife, Donita Sue Wood of Pinetop, Arizona; 2 sons: Mark Wood of Mesa, Arizona, Jeff (Bridget) Wood of Lakeside, Arizona; 5 grandchildren: Kelly Wood, Andrew Wood, Aaron Wood all of Mesa, Arizona, Tyler Lang, Cassidy Suprik, both of Lakeside, Arizona and is also survived by his brother, Ellery (Darlene) Wood of Garner, Iowa. Along with his parents, Donald was preceded in death by 4 of his siblings: Amos Wood, Faith Boyd, Dolores Zirbel and John Wood. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 2035 So. Penrod Lane in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. Arrangements were handled thru Owens Livingston Mortuary- white Mountain Chapel in Show Low, Arizona. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or to the Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Pinetop, Arizona.