Early in the morning of Saturday, August 3, 2013, a wonderfully loving heart stopped beating at UnityPoint Health-Rock Island., IL. Lisa Despain Ward, 30, of Prophetstown, IL, earned her angel wings surrounded by those who loved her.
Lisa was born June 18, 1983, in Geneseo, IL, the daughter of Tim and Cheryl Young Despain. She was a 2001 graduate of JD Darnall High School in Geneseo and then attended Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University, where she received a degree in Special Education. Lisa married Matt D. Ward on September 24, 2011, in Morrison. She worked for the Henry-Stark Special Education Unit at the Exel Program in Atkinson, IL. Lisa attended Geneseo Evangelical Free Church.
Lisa was a new mom, whose greatest passion was watching her baby girl grow. She was able to celebrate Lilah’s first birthday and create those special memories with her. These will be blessings to a little girl whose mother packed enough love into one year to feed her little soul for a lifetime. Lisa’s love of life was evident in all that she did. Whether it was helping her students plant a garden or playing softball with friends, Lisa did everything with a zest for life. She never met a stranger. Lisa taught us all how to see the best in others and have compassion. She loved without restraint.
She is survived by her husband, Matt; daughter, Lilah Ward, at home; parents, Tim and Cheryl Despain, Geneseo; sister, Amy (Jake) Fuhr, Blue Springs, MO; nephew, Macklin Fuhr; niece, Olivia Fuhr; grandparents, William and Colleen Despain, Geneseo; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Lisa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mel and Dorothy Young, and great-grandmother, Pearl Halligan.
Visitation for Lisa will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at Vandemore Funeral Home in Geneseo, IL.
A funeral service celebrating Lisa’s life will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2013, at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church. The Rev. Rick Cryder will officiate.
Per request, cremation will be accorded following the services, and private inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo, IL.
Memorials may be left to the Lisa Ward Memorial Fund for the education of her daughter, Lilah.
Share a message of sympathy with Lisa’s family at vandemorefuneralhome.com.