Laura J. Ward, age 90, of East Peoria, passed away Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 at 6:35 a.m. at The Loft in Eureka. She was born Sep. 27, 1931 in Congerville, IL to William and Leona (Hayes) Kelso. She first married Ivan Patten and later married Robert Ward on April 29, 1977 in Morton. He passed away April 29, 2002 in East Peoria. She is also preceded in death by her parents, one sister and one brother.
Survivors include one son, Daniel (Jackie) Patten of East Peoria, one daughter, Rebecca (Darin) Smith of Galesburg, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, one sister, Eleanor (Gerald) Short of Creve Coeur, and two brothers: William Kelso, Jr of Texas, and Walter (Jeri) Kelso of Missouri.
Laura was the Pet Department Manager at Belscot during the early 1970’s. She loved to garden, spend time with the grandchildren, and was an excellent baker.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services.
Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Peoria Chapter or VITAS Hospice.
