Elizabeth Yarber Ward

WARD, Elizabeth Yarber, on August 17, 2021, of Etowah, NC. Born on July 24, 1944 in San Luis Obispo, California, Libby was 77 when she passed due to complications of cholangiocarcinoma on August 17, 2021 at the Elizabeth House In-Patient Hospice Facility in Flat Rock, NC. The second of four siblings – the late Gordon Randolph “Randy” Yarber, III (spouse Sandi Yarber), Sallee Yarber Kelly (spouse Harry “Butch” Kelly), and Edwin “Eddie” Taylor Yarber (spouse Danielle Yarber) - born to Hilda Mc Snyder and Gordon Randolph, Jr. Libby is survived by her husband of 31 years, Donald T. Ward, daughter Shannon Connor, son-in-law Frank Connor, grandson Jesse Connor of New Jersey, daughter Amanda Santagate, son-in-law Jamie Santagate and their children Ben and Jacob of Braintree, MA, daughter Lindsay Hannaford, son-in-law Chris Hannaford and their daughter, Julia of Chelmsford, MA. She was the favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews, including Amanda Grinnell Sipe, Brittany Yarber Pomeroy, Taylor Yarber, Debbi Yarber Clarke, Andy Yarber, and John Yarber. She leaves behind many, many friends collected throughout a life well-lived.

“Kindness” is the word that comes up the most when friends and family are asked about their memories of Libby. She was self-deprecating to a fault and found humor in most any situation.

Libby attended many schools during the family’s nomadic years during the 1940’s and 50’s. The family moved from North Carolina to Texas and back to their beloved Greensboro in the 60’s. Libby graduated from Greensboro Senior High School in 1962 and then thrived in fields where she could apply her extraordinary eye for detail and skill for writing (in the publishing and learning industries) and vivacious personality and business savvy (real estate). She was a Realtor for over 30 years and loved to tour homes and discuss the market. She was an avid card and bridge player and enjoyed nothing more than lunching with the ladies while playing a mean game of “Hand and Foot”. She traveled often to visit her daughter and grandson in New Jersey, always insisting on driving herself without the use of that “fancy GPS stuff and silly toll booth technology.” She volunteered in many organizations over the years raising funds for charities and providing comfort to those in need.

Libby, you will be dearly missed. We will keep you in our hearts, dear Libby, and think of you with smiles and laughter for the rest of our days.

Libby will be laid to rest with a grave-side service on Friday, August 20, 2021, 1:00 PM, at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3650 Bethany Church Road, Franklinville, NC 27248. A memorial will be held at a later date in Hendersonville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to organizations that were very near to Libby’s heart. Safe Light, online at https://www.safelightfamily.org/donate.htm or via mailed check to 133 Fifth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Gerard House, online at https://www.stgerardhouse.org/ or via mailed check to 620 Oakland St, Hendersonville, NC 28791.