Alice Ward

Columbia, Missouri - Alice Ward, age 104, passed away on July 10, 2023, in Columbia, Missouri. She was born on October 28, 1918, in Springdale, Arkansas. Alice, lovingly known as "Auntie Mom", lived a remarkable life and witnessed extraordinary times.

Born during the Pandemic of 1918, Alice experienced the advancements of the modern world. From the advent of cars, movies, and television, to space travel and computers, she embraced the changing times. Remarkably, she even used a cell phone well into her 90s. Alice also lived through the Pandemic of 2020, showing resilience and strength.

Alice's heart belonged to her beloved husband, Cletus. They shared a deep connection and made their home together in Liberty, Missouri. When Cletus was called to serve in World War II and stationed in San Diego, Alice accompanied him before he was gone for 2 years in the Philippines. Together, they created a strong foundation for their life. Although they didn't have children biologically, Alice and Cletus treated everyone as their own. Family gatherings were a source of joy for Alice, as she cherished the moments spent around the table. She had an open-door policy, and friends and neighbors always felt welcome in her home. Many children grew up under her loving care.

Alice's brother Claude and sister Ethel were the other loves of her life. Always there to take care, working to help support her family and make sure her brother graduated from High School. Sadly, they were to lose Claude in middle age, a loss from which they never recovered.

After Cletus passed in 2008, Alice moved to Columbia to be closer to her family. She found happiness in playing checkers with her Great-Great Nephew Bryant and enjoying having her nails done. When she transitioned to nursing care, Alice was a favorite among both residents and staff.

Alice initially worked at Faultless Laundry, where she met Cletus and had their first date on an Easter Sunday. She baked him that first cake and May 25, 1940 they married. Later, she became a skilled industrial seamstress at a dress company located in the world-famous Garment District in Kansas City, Missouri. She later retired in the 1980's.

Her bread and pies were renowned for their deliciousness. She also had a green thumb and spent countless hours tending to her garden. Many of her plants have found homes in relatives gardens across the country so her garden continues.

Alice was preceded in death by her brother, Claude Clardy, her sister, Ethel Colvin, her husband, Cletus Ward, and her nephew, Riley Colvin, Sr.

Alice is survived by her nephew, Claude Clardy, Jr., and his wife Charlene, along with their children Brian and Jeremy. She is also survived by her great-niece Corinne Liedtke and her husband Hans, Niece in-law Sandra Trellu, her great-nephew Riley Colvin, Jr., and his wife Carmen, along with their children Joel, Bryant, and Aldin.

A service to celebrate Alice's life will be held at Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home, located at 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri 64133. All who wish to pay their respects are welcome to attend and invited to wear blue, her favorite color.

Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association through their website at www.act.alz.org. Alice's family encourages donations to support Alzheimer's research and care.

Alice Ward's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her unwavering love for family, her resilience, and her warm hospitality will be cherished and remembered by all.