Diane S. Ward

Diane S. Ward, aged 46, of Nashville, passed away suddenly at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids on Friday morning, August 14, 2009. Diane was born in Hastings, MI on March 14, 1963 to Jim and Luella (Edwins) Smith. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1981. Diane was united in marriage to Keith Ward on November 25, 1986. Diane loved her menagerie of animals, and began an involvement with 4-H as a young girl. Over 20 years were spent as a 4-H leader, including 16 years while her family lived in Arkansas operating a cattle ranch. Through her life, Diane had been very involved in raising, training and showing horses. She had returned to Michigan 12 years ago when she and Keith bought their farm near Nashville. Diane had an open heart and loved to help other people. She always made sure they received the love they deserved. Diane is survived by her loving husband, Keith; children, Lacey and Jeremy Rasey, and Cliff Ward and friend, Nicole; grandchildren, Ashton and Hayley Rasey; parents, Jim and Luella Smith; sisters and brother, Lana and Neil Perry, Edwin and Debra Smith, and Debra and Joel McDowell; father-in-law, Harold Ward; and many close friends and loving relatives. Visitation will be at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Lakewood United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Woodland Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be given to the family for a cause that will be determined at a later time.