Juanita Ward

JUANITA FERN WARD was born July 29, 1926 in rural Labette County, KS to Orlynn and Hazel Beair Rinker. She lived with her grandparents, Adam and Mollie Beair and attended McKennon School there until the 5th grade. She then moved to Coffeyville, living with her mother and stepfather, Steve Jones. In Coffeyville she attended: Lowell Grade School, Roosevelt Jr. High School and graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1944.
Juanita married Eugene Carter Wood on December 13, 1944 in Alameda, CA. They had one daughter, Janet Diane and two sons Toney Gene and Daniel Howard. Eugene died Dec. 6, 1965 after 21 years of marriage. Daniel Howard died July 13, 1988, at age 30.
On June 6, 1969 Juanita married Joseph Ward in Coffeyville. He died November 6, 2001. They were married 32 years.
A member of the First Baptist Church since 1964 Juanita held positions of: Sr. High Superintendent, Teacher, Guild Girls Counselor, Youth Corps Advisor, member of American Baptist Women, Circle Leader Church Missions Chairperson, member of the church Board of Education, she was a member of the Chancel Choir for 45 years, and a member of Matinee Musical for many years.
From 1966 through 1974 Juanita worked as a BrokerAssociate for Alva J. Powell Realty Co. in Coffeyville.
Other organizations that Juanita worked with include: UNICEF, Crop Walk, and The Salvation Army Auxiliary where she served as president for one year. She was a charter member of Hospice Care in Coffeyville and spent several years as a recruiting speaker, respite care person and as facilitator for grief counseling.
She is survived by: Janet Funk, Summerland Key, FL Toney Wood, Lewisville, TX six grandchildren five greatgrandchildren and her great friend Keith Sumner.
Her memorial service is planned for 3:00 P.M. Saturday, December 29th at the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville under the direction of the FordWulfBruns Chapel in Coffeyville, Kansas.
She has requested that memorials be to the First Baptist Church, Coffeyville, KS or The Salvation Army.