She was an active member of the First Baptist church and served as teacher, treasurer, and song leader through the years. She sang as long as her health allowed. She was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and enjoyed the many activities offered by the Poteau Sr. center. She was Choctaw Outstanding Elder for District 4 in 2011.
She was preceded in death by her parents Claud & Imogene, her husband Johnny, her baby boy “Big Al” John Alan Ward in 1991, and her sister & brother in law, Brenda & Jackie Sweeten; brother in law, Bill Ward.
She is survived by her children, Susan and James Cantwell of Fort Smith, AR. and Anthony Ward of Paige, TX, her grandsons, Michael and Stephanie Cantwell and their children Amara, Chloe, and Kyle of Poteau, Matthew Cantwell of LeFlore, OK and his children Adrianna and Emerson, and Spencer Ward and his mother, Tammy Ward, of San Antonio, TX, sisters Shirley Ward and Claudette Hamner, both of Heavener and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 3 pm, Wednesday, February 3, 2021 the First Baptist Church of LeFlore with Bro. Tracy Lloyd & Marion Fry officiating.
Pallbearers will be Mark and Bryan Warren, Gary Gibson, John E. McAlester, John P. McAlester, Keith O’Neal. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Herell, Michael Cantwell, Matthew Cantwell & Spencer Ward.
Family will be at the funeral home for visitation on Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm.
If any former students wish to pay tribute, simply drop a freshly sharpened pencil WITH YOUR NAME ON IT in the bucket at either the funeral home, her home, or the church. Pencils and a sharpener will be available at each location.