Betty Ward

care. Betty was born in Briggsville, Arkansas, to parents Tommy Hazel Sullivan and Anna Amanda

Sullivan (formerly Castleberry), whose family attended Briggsville United Methodist Church. She

graduated from Fouche Valley High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State

Teachers College. In 1961, Betty moved to Modesto, California, to begin her teaching career at

Downey High School. She later taught Honors English and English as a Second Language at Grace

Davis High School from 1964 until her retirement in 2001. Betty married Fred Ward in 1962.

She was proud of her home state of Arkansas and of her family, friends, and upbringing there.

Betty had exceptional character. Through both word and deed, she lived according to the

principles and values exemplified by her father, Tommy, and their family’s religious beliefs and

practices. Betty was kind, caring, and humble. Her career went beyond classroom teaching—she helped

students with needs such as food, housing, fundraising, and educational planning. She was a

devoted advocate for her students. Betty established the International Club at Grace Davis High

School to foster relationships and understanding between students and their new communities.

She overcame challenges caused by cultural differences, mediated disputes, and courageously

protected her students from pressures and recruitment by youth involved in gangs.

Betty loved to cook and bake. She prepared many family meals, especially her favorite Southern

dishes such as fried okra, creamed corn, black-eyed peas with ham, and cornbread. At

Christmastime, she baked for 48 hours straight to make a wide variety of cookies, cakes, and

candies to share with family and friends. She also enjoyed time spent at the family cabin in MiWuk Village, California, where she prepared meals using an 1880s wood-burning cast-iron

cookstove. Betty gave great care and thoughtful attention to family and friends in their later years, helping

with transportation to medical appointments, providing meals, and assisting with key healthcare

decisions. She faced life’s difficulties with grace, dignity, and forgiveness. Her favorite sports

teams were the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco Giants.

Betty is survived by her husband, Fred Ward; her son, Gary Ward; her daughter-in-law, Priscilla

Ward; and grandchildren Natalie, Owen (Abbey), and Emerson Ward. She is also survived by her

sister, Mary Sharp; Andrea Strong; Arkansas-based family members Nina Sullivan, Mark Sullivan,

Brad Sullivan, Wes Sullivan, Sarah Sullivan, Terry Sullivan, Ron Sullivan, and Maggie Sullivan;

California-based family members Judy Tarter, Cindy (Jerry) Wilson, Cody (Nicole) Wilson, and

Jared (Ariel) Wilson; and her best friend, Dorothy Lacoste.

A graveside service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Lakewood Funeral

Home and Lakewood Memorial Park, located at 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326. A

catered gathering at the same location will follow the graveside service. Betty’s former students,

friends, and family members are warmly invited to attend and share memories in celebration of

her life.