Barbara Kurth Woodruff, 76, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on May 26, 1950, in Highland Park, Michigan, Barb was the cherished daughter of Genevieve Raubolt Kurth and Douglas Elmer Kurth.

She graduated from Cass Technical High School before earning her degree from UNC Charlotte, but one of the most important chapters of her life began at Albion College, where she met the love of her life, Donald Woodruff. Together they built a marriage rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion over 56 wonderful years, creating homes and lifelong friendships in Albion, Michigan; Cincinnati, Ohio; Beech Mountain, North Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Throughout her career, Barb welcomed opportunities to learn and grow, building a career in technical writing and project management. While professional accomplishments and a strong work ethic were important to her, the role she treasured most were those of wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

She quietly taught those around her that success isn’t measured only by hard work or achievement, but by living a balanced life—continuing to learn, giving generously to others, and always making time for the people you love.

Barb had a remarkable gift for making people feel remembered. Whether it was a caring card, a thoughtful or funny gift “just because,” a funny or poignant newspaper clipping tucked into the mail, or a handwritten note that arrived exactly when someone needed encouragement. She had an extraordinary way of letting people know they mattered.

Her kindness was intentional, her laughter contagious, and her generosity was simply part of who she was. She lived according to the values she held dear: faith, family, friendship, service, and finding joy in life’s adventures—whether on a trip exploring somewhere new or simply making everyday moments, like running errands, special. To Barb, life’s greatest treasures were the people we share it with, and she made sure those people always knew they were loved.

Barb is survived by her devoted husband, Donald Woodruff of Charlotte, North Carolina; her daughters, Wendy Woodruff Matherly and her husband, John, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Kim Irby and her husband, Jay, of Raleigh, North Carolina. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Lauren Matherly of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Jack Irby and Sydney Tripoli of New York City; and Sydney Irby of Raleigh, North Carolina.

She is also survived by her sister, Jan Stuckey and her husband, Steve, of Three Rivers, Michigan; her sisters-in-law, Pat Hintermeister and her husband, John, and Heidi Geissbuehler and her husband, Greg; and many nieces and nephews whom she cherished dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Genevieve Raubolt Kurth and Douglas Elmer Kurth, and her brothers, Roger Kurth and Neil Kurth.

In keeping with Barb’s joyful spirit, the family invites everyone attending to wear bright and cheerful attire instead of traditional black. She would have wanted the day to reflect the warmth, laughter, and happiness she brought to so many lives.

A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Barbara’s memory to these two organizations that were important to her: the Beech Mountain Historical Society or the Christ the King Food Pantry.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Wellmore of Tega Cay and VIA Health Partners Hospice for their compassionate care, support, and kindness throughout Barb’s illness. The family also wishes to honor and recognize Don Woodruff, whose unwavering love, strength, patience, and encouragement carried Barb through every step of her journey. His devotion as her husband and caregiver was a beautiful reflection of the deep love, commitment, and partnership they shared for more than five decades.

Barb will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. The love she so freely gave to others lives on in her family, her friends, and in the countless small acts of kindness she inspired along the way.