Local IGA owner dies after long struggle
Submitted Photo
Last Thursday, June 18, the community lost a member that was known for his love of God, his family, and community. Robert, or Bobby as his friends called him, Wood, 65, of Versailles, passed away at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. Visitation and Funeral Services are being handled by Stratton-Karstetter Funeral Home in Versailles.
Bobby had struggled with COVID-19 for the past three months, with his family holding open prayer vigils and prayer lines. People from around the world offered up prayers on the family’s behalf. God had a different plan, and took Bobby home to be with Him.
“To say ‘thank you’ for all your prayers, kindness and words of encouragement, compared to the reality of what you did for us over the past three months while Bobbly was sick, is not enough. It was not just words, but your actions, too. Thank you for hugging us, praying with us, crying with us and laughing with us,” the family released in a written statement to the Osgood Journal.
They noted that the employees of the Versailles IGA, where Bobby co-owned the business with his son, Daren, were great throughout this prolonged time. “They stepped up and went above and beyond the call of duty to keep everyone healthy and safe. Many of them even volunteered after the tornado on April 8. They pitched in to help restore the IGA and our community as well. This did not go unnoticed and we are forever grateful for you,” the family noted.
Before Bobby was admitted to the hospital, he asked that everyone pray for those affected by COVID-19 and for a sign to be posted outside the IGA to that effect. “Therefore, twice every day, since April 6, we have prayed for him, others in our community by name that have been sick or had family concerns, our country, graduates, farmers, our leaders, police, first responders, caregivers and their families, doctors, nurses, janitors and administration. Every day prayer warriors from across the United States and around the world joined these calls,” the family shared.
On April 9, what has been called The Parking Lot Prayer Service was held with a beautiful showing of the community’s love for Bobby and for the community that was hurt following the tornado. “Our hearts are full of thanksgiving for you,” the Wood family noted.
The family noted that on Bobby’s behalf, he would want everyone to know that you were a special part of his life – and he had a great one! “His life is not over, but his eternal life has just begun and we will see him again in Heaven.”
Bobby’s favorite Bible verses were: 1 John 5:13; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9. “With sweet peace, we can share that we were able to hold Bobby’s hand as he took his first step through God’s Pearly Gate and into his eternal home,” Dotty (Bobby’s wife) and children: Bridget, Kelly and Daren, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren said. “While it is not enough, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
They left a scripture verse for everyone: The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
