Doris Ward, 77, of Fairfield, Illinois, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville.

      Doris was a woman of deep faith, quiet grace, and unwavering love for her family. Patient and caring, she lived her life serving others and showing Christ’s love through daily acts of devotion.

      On January 25, 1966, Doris married the love of her life, Lawrence Ward, at the preacher’s home in Salem, Illinois. Together they shared 60 years of marriage centered on faith and family.

      She worked for many years in a garment factory, as a beautician, and later as a waitress, but the role she treasured most was being a grandmother. She devoted herself to helping with her granddaughters, pouring into them wisdom, candy bars, and unconditional love. They were her ministry, her pride, and greatest earthly joy.

      Doris faithfully served her church family, and many will remember her fried chicken, divinity, sweet potato casserole, and ham & beans. She enjoyed sewing, painting ceramics, gardening, catching fish for Lawrence to clean, and spending time with her granddaughters. Her home was filled with warmth, plenty of laughter, and prayer.

      Doris had a playful sense of humor and was the light of her family, always ready with a smile and laugh when it was needed most. She lived her faith daily, not seeking recognition, but faithfully loving others, and her influence will reach far beyond her years.

      She is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence Ward; her son, Kendell (Michelle) Ward of Fairfield; and her beloved granddaughters, Maria, Olivia, and Sylvia Ward. She is also survived by her sisters, Sondra Harmon (Dick), Phyllis Phillips, Rita Walker, and Joyce Barrier; and her brother, Loyd Shuler, all of Salem, Illinois.

      She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” and Verna Shuler; her son, Darren Ward; brothers Clinton “Buck,” Raymond, Darrell, and Donnie Shuler; and sisters Delilla Davis, Wilma Hampsten, and DeeAnna Correll.

      Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 1 p.m. and burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse in lieu of flowers and will be accepted at Frank & Bright Funeral Home.

      Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and take comfort knowing she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Her love, faith, and gentle spirit will continue to guide those who were blessed to call her wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend.

      To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com