Leona M. Ward, 89, of Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL, died Friday, January 31, 2020, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation.
Leona was born October 8, 1930, in Sterling, IL, to Charles C. and Mamie (Miller) Stern. She was educated in the Sterling grade schools and was a graduate of Sterling High School. On September 7, 1957, she married Frank C. Ward in Sterling. Leona was employed by the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Company in Sterling. She also farmed alongside her husband in the rural Morrison area. Leona was a member of First Lutheran Church of Jordan, where she served as a Sunday School teacher. She enjoyed reading and doing word puzzles and counted cross stitch embroidery. She loved spending time with family, especially the grandchildren. She was always there to support the grandchildren at their sporting events.
Survivors include her husband, Frank; daughter, Colleen (Robert) Kepler of Morrison; son, David (Becky) Ward of Sabula, IA; five grandchildren, Nathan (Jessica Dodd) Hinrichs, Nolan Hinrichs, Matthew (Carli) Ward, Derek (Tara) Ward, and Hallie (AJ) Ward; seven great-grandchildren, Lila and Emerson Ward, Brantley Hinrichs, Parker Dodd, Austin Shoup, Trace Shoup, Brcyln Shoup; sister, Laura Urban of Sterling.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Lisa Ward; brothers, Charles and Lloyd Stern.
Her funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 6, 2020, at First Lutheran Church of Jordan in Sterling, IL, with Pastor Carol Soderholm officiating.
Visitation will be held prior to the service, starting at 10:00 a.m
Interment will be at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling, IL.
A memorial to First Lutheran Church of Jordan has been established.