Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Donna Ward

Oct 27th, 1935 - Feb 2nd, 2017

     Donna Ward, age 81, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2017. She was born in Sailor Springs on October 27, 1935 to Alvie F. and Wenona M. (Prosser) Lindeman. On April 11, 1965, she was united in marriage to William "Bill" H. Ward in Flora, and they shared 39 years of marriage together. Bill preceded her in death November 30, 2004.

     She is survived by a daughter: Rhonda (husband Lee) Ryker of Clay City; a grandson: Kenny (wife Ashley) Ryker of Litchfield; a granddaughter: Kourtney (husband Brian) Kohn of Flora; 3 great-grandchildren: Collin Moseley, Braydon Ryker, and Brilynn Kohn; 3 step-great-grandchildren: Lexus Kohn, Isaiah Kohn, and Jazmine Kohn; a step-great-great-grandson: Mason Kohn; a brother: Dennis (wife Susanne) Lindeman of Clay City; 3 nephews: Matt (wife Misty) Lindeman, Mark Lindeman, and Marty (wife Heather) Lindeman; 2 great-nieces: Molly and Bristol; and a great-nephew: Memphis; and longtime best friend: Wanita Jenkins of Olney. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

     Donna’s warm spirit and strong faith is carried on through the adoring and supportive relationships she had with her family and friends, and especially her grandchildren and later, her great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Ina." When her grandkids took part in a sporting event or activity, they could count on her attendance and wholehearted encouragement and lively participation. She had worked in clerical and stenography positions, including for JW Rudy, and confirmed that you should never stop learning throughout life when she enrolled in an associate degree program in cosmetology and celebrated both a graduation and her 60th birthday. Donna was a member of the Clay City First Baptist Church where she served as longtime Sunday School teacher for youth and adults, and as Clerk and Treasurer. She was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed fishing, and liked to visit new places, serving as a travel guide for B-Jay Travel and JD Transit.

     A funeral service for Donna Ward will be 1 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Pastor Brad Harris officiating. Interment will be in Clay City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Clay City First Baptist Church, and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.