Rita Claire Ward

Rita Claire Schroer Ahearn Ward of Port St. Lucie, Florida died on January 10, 2022. She was one of five born to Frank and Anna Schroer in Kansas City, Missouri on August 11, 1921. In her 100 years of life, she was consistently both strong and kind. Both characteristics were important, because she found herself a widow at age 35 with herself, five children, and pregnant with a sixth. Her first husband and father of her children was John (Jack) Thomas Ahearn II of New Haven, CT. They met while they were both serving their country in the Army during WWII. Jack died in 1956 in an accident. She made a secure family, including working at the church rectory and school office, keeping an eye on her children. She raised her six children by herself to become independent and who aspired to her level of kindness.

She married Donald K. Ward in 1970, and his four children joined her six children. Don Ward died in 2007.

She was predeceased by her two husbands and by her youngest son, William Patrick Ahearn who died in 2011. She outlived most of her friends and family. She is survived by her brother George Schroer of Kansas City, many loving nieces and nephews, and children: Patricia (Clyde), Jack (Janis), Rita Louise (Ed), Timothy (Carol), and Mary. She also was a fun and loving grandmother to Joan, Rita, Michael, Megan, John, Kara, Tim, Emily, Clare and Anna. She has nine great grandchildren: Estelle, Shane, Kaison, Lennox, Owen, Lilian, Eloise, Annabel, and Jack. Her love extended to Don’s four children (Roger, Donna (Rick), Patty (Curt), and Mary Kay) and his grandchildren and their children (Amy, Cole, Avery, Bridget, Trent, Donny, Tim and Kevin).

Rita was strong in her Catholic faith, moderate in her habits and progressive in her political outlook. She believed in a strong mind and a strong body. As a result, she lived a happy, healthy life. She enjoyed life every day as long as she controlled everything and everyone without seeming to be in charge. During her 100th year of life, she was especially celebrated by her loved ones.

Funeral will be at Holy Family Church, with burial at Fernhill Cemetery. Her family wants to thank the staff at Hospice for helping us all through the process of her passing. A celebration of life will be planned when it is COVID safe.