Linda Lou Ward

Linda Ward, 69, Ormond Beach, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on December 3, 2010 after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Linda was born on March 1, 1941 to the late Joe and Elaine Patient in Taylorville, Illinois. She grew up in Le Roy and Normal, Illinois where she graduated from Normal Community High School and Illinois State University. Inspired to use her degree in Special Education, she focused on teaching the blind and partially sighted. It was there where she fell in love with the man of her dreams and married Gil Ward in 1963. They moved their family to Ormond Beach, Fl. in 1978 where they purchased Sunshine Holiday Camper Resort. Over the next 21 years they worked together and built everlasting relationships that still remain strong today. In 2001, they purchased Gold’s Gym of Ormond Beach. Linda will always be remembered by our Gold’s family as a mother and friend to all, sharing the gift of her smile with everyone.

Linda was truly a special person, a lady who was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Today we celebrate a woman who dedicated her life to serving and giving to all. A beautiful wife honoring and loving her husband for 47 years, she gave all. A loving mother and grandmother living every breath for her family as she loved unconditionally, she gave all. As a friend who listened and deeply cared for everyone she touched, she gave all and as a Christian whose faith never wavered, she loved the Lord and gave Him ALL.

Linda is survived by her loving husband Gil, of 47 years, daughter Shellie (John) Lanes, son John (Teresa) Ward, and eight grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Mari, Kyle, and Eric Lanes and Tyler, Jenna, and Jessa Ward. Also surviving are her sisters, Jodi Patient, VA, Mary (Elmer) Weller, OK, and Carol (Larry) Myers, IL; brothers, Gary (Doris) Patient, FL, and Tim (Mary) Patient, FL, and sister-in-law Ruthan Patient, TN, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Along with her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her stepmother Pat Patient and her brother Terry Patient.

A memorial service to celebrate Linda’s life will be held at Tomoka Christian Church, 1151 W. Granada Blvd. Ormond Beach, on December 11th, at 11:00 a.m.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Gary and Doris Patient and Annette Lahood for their loving care and devoted support.

Linda was a wonderful gift to us all, may her incredible life be a reminder that one life can make a difference.

We love you.

Arrangements are under the care and trust of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com.