Nancy Ward

Nancy Tomlin Ward of Free Union and most recently of Afton, died on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Augusta Health Medical Center. Born on June 3, 1935 in Batesville, VA, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Mazie M. Tomlin. She was a member of the Class of 1954, the first class to graduate from Albemarle County High School. On July 6, 1968, she married Meriwether C. Ward of Free Union. They were married for 34 years until his passing in July 2002.

Nancy enjoyed spending time with her friends, family and church family at Free Union Baptist Church. She was employed at General Electric/Genicom (Waynesboro, VA) for 42 years. In her retirement years, she stayed busy. She and her husband, Meriwether, were active members at Free Union Baptist Church where they were involved in many activities and programs. Nancy enjoyed community and church activities and helping others. She was a proud 50 year member of the Free Union Homemakers’ Club in which she held several offices. She was efficient on committees and a dedicated volunteer, especially participating in the 4th of July Parade as being “Lady Liberty” for several years. Nancy also enjoyed many years helping the Maupin family at Maupin's Store in Free Union. She was often seen at the store stocking the shelves, cashiering, providing directions to local spots and keeping in touch with her neighbors. Years after her (2nd) retirement from Maupin’s store, people would recognize her (and her smile) often saying to her, “You used to work at Maupin’s Store, didn’t you?” Her smile and friendly conversations inspired and touched more people than she realized.

Special thanks and gratitude are extended to family and special friends who helped Nancy in her later years as her health declined. Her team of rotating caregivers, Joan, Shannon, Hailey, Kaylea, Orpha, Serenity, Rachel and Linda became very special to her.

Nancy is survived by her two sisters, Bessie (nicknamed by Nancy as “Reedy”) Rittenhouse of Afton and Margie Freeman (Fletcher) Freeman of Waynesboro. Also surviving are her nieces, Effie W. Coliukos (Paul), Bluffton, SC; Bonnie R. Campbell (L.D.), Amherst; and nephew, Bryan Rittenhouse, of Faber. Nancy also leaves behind her great nieces and nephew, whom she lovingly referred to as “the children” – Kristin Abbott (Sam), Kelsey Campbell and Bryson Rittenhouse and her great-great nephew and niece that she also referred to as “the little children”, Levi and Kaylee.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband as well as her sister, Betty T. Wiseman and husband, Carl of Staunton and brother-in-law, Bobby Rittenhouse of Afton, and nephew, Jim Wiseman of Staunton as well as many other friends and family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Free Union Baptist Church, 4282 Millington Rd, Free Union, VA 22940 or to any charitable organization of your choice.. There will be no public viewing. A graveside service will be conducted at 12 noon on Saturday, Jan 3, 2026, at Holly Mead Memorial Gardens in Charlottesville, VA with Pastor Duane Johnson officiating. Free Union Baptist Church will be hosting a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. In Free Union on January 3, 2026.