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Helen M. Ward, 102, of Denver, NC quietly passed on December 26, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter S. Ward and her siblings: Betty Mackall, Ruth Mackall, Mary Schragg, James V. Mackall and Ronald Mackall. Helen was a member of the Chippewa United Methodist Church for more than fifty years. She was member of United Methodist Women’s Circle and the Eastern Star of East Palestine, Ohio. Helen was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her two sons W. Keith Ward and David Ward and David’s wife Ellen Ward. Her granddaughters are Lynn Ward, Heather Gearhart, Lorie Ward and Hope Thompson. Her great-grandchildren are Seth Thompson, Taylen Gearhart and Nathan Thompson.
At the time of her passing Helen was 102 years old. She celebrated life by never giving in to her age. Living in her own home until the age of 100, Helen embodied the can-do spirit of her generation. She volunteered at Beaver Valley Medical Center hospital for over 30 years. An avid seamstress, Helen created doll apparel for auction to benefit the Salvation Army and created dozens of hand-made teddy bears in her signature style.
Throughout her years she saw many great achievements and survived a number of tragedies. Throughout it all Helen’s faith never wavered. This world has lost a cherished member and heaven has gained a precious soul.
A memorial service will be scheduled this Spring.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury, North Carolina is assisting the Ward family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Shari Robinson says
Dear Lynn, I am so very sorry that your Grandma has passed on 🙁 Although I never got to meet her I feel through you that she was kinda my Grandma too. What a wonderful long life she lived yet still it is so very sad that she had to leave. I am sending lots of prayers and strength to you and please know that if you need anything I am here. Love you much, Shari
Aubrey & Alice Lester says
Please know that you have our sympathy at the passing of your mother. What a blessing she must have been to many. Please let us know if there is a specific need for any members of the family.
Much love,
Aubrey & Alice Lester
Ivan and Donna Boles says
Dave and Ellen:
What a beautiful legacy your mother leaves behind. I know that you will mourn her death here on earth and rejoice in her place in heaven! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marcia and Kent Parkhill says
We would like to extend our sympathy to Helen’s family. Helen enriched our lives here in Chippewa and will be remembered as a loving, caring person who, as you said, had a can-do spirit. I can still see her riding the tractor around her yard well into her 90’s!
We are thankful that we shared time with Helen in church and forever will see her sitting in the pew with her 3 faithful friends, together fondly called the “The Four Musketeers.”
May you know she was loved here and will will be fondly remembered.
Sincerely,
Marcia and Kent Parkhill
CUMC
Jim & Carolee Littell says
Keith, David, & families,
We were sorry to read that your Mom has passed away. She was a dear lady and a special friend to my Mom. Helen, Bee, Grace, and Mom spent many wonderful times together, whether they were traveling, or eating pot luck dinners on Mom’s porch. I can attest to Helen’s seamstress abilities as she made drapes for my first apartment. I also have one of her special teddy bears. I’m sure you have many memories and I pray these memories will help you though these difficult days ahead. Love to all, Jim & Carolee Littell
Karen Baker says
Helen was such a dear lady. I worked at The Medical Center and saw her often in the gift shop. She used to make kitchen hand towels with crocheted tops. I gave her a sample of my kitchen wallpaper and she would choose towels to match and then make me a dozen every year or so . She was so gracious. I retired in 1998 and lost track of her. I hope her final years were pleasant ones. You were very fortunate to have her with you for such a long time. You have my sincere sympathy.
Dave and Paula Schmolly says
David, Keith, and family,
First our sympathy to all of you.
I second all that my sister Carolee has already written. Also I remember Helen being around what seems all my life. Helen was there when David and I were in high school, when Walter died, when we saw her at so many functions at Chippewa Methodist church, when Heather, Hope, Nicole, and Natalee went swimming at Grace’s, when our mother Jean (one of the four Musketeers) was 80 and again at her 90th birthday party, and lastly when Helen had her own 100th birthday party.
And now the Lord has called her home. What a great reunuion that must have been. You were so fortunate to have Mom for so many years, and the rest of us were blessed with her friendship and kindness.
May God’s love and the love of friends and family be a comfort to you.
David and Paula Schmolly
Randy Sawyer says
David,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Dad called my attention to the obit and I wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you.
Randy Sawyer
Jennie Watterson Boots says
To Lynn Lorie and the rest of the Ward family members. Please except my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Grandmother and Mother. She was very lucky to of shared her last years in yor lovely home Lorie. Iam sure the whole family will aways be grateful she spent her days in such loving care. The time spent with elder loved ones is always such a blessing. Your cousin Jennie
Carol Straley says
Helen was truly a very special lady and we knew her in Chippewa at the UMC. She talked to our son about Dickinson College and that is where Doug atttended. May you all cherish your memories and feel God’s loving arms around you at this time.