Josephine Ward Rodriguez

RODRIGUEZ, Josephine Ward, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend spread her wings and went to be with her Master and Savior on Monday, October 31, 2011 after a long illness. Visitation will be held at Ridout’s Prattville Chapel on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. A Rosary will begin at 12:00 pm following the visitation. Burial will follow in Shoal Creek Cemetery at Coosa River. Pallbearers will be Carl Howell, Carl Oates, Greg Ward, Christian Rocha, Gene Manning, Matt Clarizio, Paul Jones, and Joe Rodriguez. Josephine was born on October 14, 1938 in Montgomery, AL to L.T. and Gertrude E. (Manning) Ward and attended Marbury High School. She attended nursing school at St. Margaret’s Hospital. She married John Rodriguez, Jr. on March 26, 1977 in Colorado Springs, CO. She loved to hunt and fish. Mrs. Rodriguez was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Henry T. Ward. Survivors include her husband, John M. Rodriguez, Jr.; daughter, Debra J. Clarizio and her husband Matt; son, Joe Rodriguez and his wife Valerie; son, Paul R. Jones; son, Steven Rodriguez; sisters, Elizabeth Howell and Evelyn Oates; seven grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Josephine was a past High Priestess of Alaska Shrine, member of Daughter of the Nile of Texas, an Eastern Star and Worthy Matron of LOSNA #4 of Valdez, AK. Her love of life and family was only surpassed by her love of God. She was one of the kindest, most loving, and gentle people on this earth. Always there to listen and understand with love and offer a helping hand. To know Josephine was to love her as she was full of life and laughter. Her sweet smile, loving hugs, and tender gestures will surely be missed. She shall surely be a beautiful gem in God’s Treasure Chest shining brightly down upon us. Until we meet again.