Theodore Joe Woodruff

Theodore Joe Woodruff, 65, died on February 26, 2020 at his home in Meade. He was born on May 8, 1954 in Fowler, Kansas and was the son of Dale and Joan (Gardner) Woodruff.

Ted grew up in Meade, KS. He attended Meade schools and graduated from Meade High School in Meade, KS in 1972. Ted pursued further education in auto mechanics and spent his entire career as an ASE Master Technician auto mechanic working for auto dealerships as well as running his own shop in both Dodge City and later in Meade when he returned to his hometown. Ted’s passion for the automotive industry was unlike any other and led to successful venture’s as the owner of Ted’s Auto Repair in Meade.

After their first date at the age of 15, Ted went on to marry his life-long sweetheart, Cynthia Hardaway on May 26, 1973 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meade. Ted and Cindy had three children and enjoyed a life full of weekends spent racing, at demolition derbies, camping, hunting, fishing, working at his shop, watching Nascar and boxing, and grilling for “Traeger Sunday” while spending time with his family. Ted was an extremely active father who was always taking advantage of every opportunity in life to not just teach, but show his children how to make the right decisions and to treat others kindly,(while never missing an opportunity to laugh). Ted spent countless hours extending his teaching abilities to coach numerous sports, with his passion being the wrestling team. Ted was a selfless man who always extended a helping hand to those in need, even if it came at a cost for him. This selflessness can especially be seen in the final years of his life as he continued to fight his constant battle against health issues so that he could continue to provide for and make memories with Cindy, his children, and especially his grandchildren. Ted spent many hours teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish, hunt, camp, garden, and work on their cars. While doing so, he was always building bonds, relationships, and memories that will last a lifetime for those he leaves behind. He was a father figure to more than just his own children including Phil Schmidt, Sean Hardaway, Mike Linton, Jordan, Lexi, and Madison, and is considered a brother and friend to many.

Ted is survived by his wife, Cindy of Meade; parents Dale and Joan Woodruff of Dodge City; daughter Michelle Bergkamp of Meade; a son Theodore Woodruff Jr. of Derby; and daughter Jenny Faurot and husband Kevin of Meade; two sisters, Dr. Tanya Williams and husband David of Dodge City; Sheila Hageman and husband Kevin of Fowler; a brother Jim Woodruff and wife Diane of Meade; 4 granddaughters, Alexis Schneider of Dodge City, Madison Bergkamp of Meade, Brenna and Haylen Faurot of Meade; 7 grandsons, Jordan Woodruff of Wichita, Odin and Reid Woodruff of Derby, and Kasen, Kagan, Killian, and Kapaun Faurot of Meade; 1 great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in Meade, Kansas on Friday, February 28th, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Memorials are suggested to be made out to the National Kidney Foundation or the Meade District Hospital – Special Equipment Fund.