NEW HARMONY – Firefighters and other public servants will pay last respects to one of their own Saturday morning as former New Harmony fire captain, Iron County Ambulance EMT and Washington County Emergency Preparedness team member Julie Woods is laid to rest.
“She was a big part of this community, and she was always willing to help in any way that she could,” New Harmony Fire Captain Matt Goodman said. “For me personally, I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.”
Woods, age 55, recently succumbed to a battle with brain cancer, passing away June 13 at her home in New Harmony. She is survived by her husband, Russell Woods, and six children.
Goodman said he worked with Woods for five years through the New Harmony Fire Department and also Iron County Ambulance. Woods retired after it was discovered that she had brain cancer, he said.
“We will all miss her, and we all love her,” New Harmony Fire Chief Greg Gonzalez said.
A fire captain for the New Harmony Fire Department, certified to fight both structure and wildland fires, Woods was a dedicated public servant who was also a key figure in the community and “very brave and very strong,” Gonzalez said.
“I do not know a person that didn’t admire her,” he said. “She was just a game changer. I’m the chief, and I admired and looked up to her.”
Services for Woods will be held Saturday in New Harmony, where she will be honored by her fellow public servants.
“We’re going to have firefighters coming from all over Utah to honor her and be in the procession,” Gonzalez said. “It’s going to be a pretty big deal.”
As part of the services, firefighters and others in attendance will perform a last ride and last fire call in honor of Woods. There will also be a flag folding ceremony at the graveside and a helmet presentation.
“We want to make it a big deal for her and her family,” Gonzalez said.
The public is invited to attend Woods’ funeral services. A viewing will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. in the New Harmony Ward LDS chapel, located at 12 S. Main St. Funeral services will immediately follow, and those attending the funeral are asked to arrive no later than 10 a.m. Visiting firefighters and other public servants are asked to park their official vehicles on the north side of the church.
Online condolences can be sent to the Woods family at sumortuary.com.
Event details
- When: Saturday, June 28; viewing 9-10:30 a.m., funeral 10:30 a.m. (guests asked to arrive by 10)
- Where: New Harmony Ward LDS chapel, 12 S. Main St., New Harmony
- Contact: Condolences can be submitted online
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