Lyle R. Ward

Arizona. A Bible verse placed near his bedside was II Cor. 4:18 “So we don’t look at the troubles we have right now, rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over but the joys to come will last forever!” Lyle was born on June 22, 1920 in Lake City, Michigan to parents, Jesse and Edith Ward. He loved his three siblings, Carl, Willard, Louella and their spouses and families! He was a small boy during the Depression when times were hard and jobs were scarce so that he often had to live with extended family members. However, his high school years were some of the best when he was able to live in Frankfort, Michigan with his mom and dad where he played on the Panthers basketball team! After graduating from Frankfort High School, he attended Lansing Business University where he met his lifetime sweetheart and wife of almost 60 years, Alvina Chivers. The most important decision of his life was made in 1942 when he became a follower of Jesus. He volunteered to serve in the United States Army during WWII and was assigned to the Pacific theater and eventually saw the actual surrender by the Japanese. He always said that as a new Christian, being far away from home in adverse situations, was an important time because he learned to trust the sovereign God! After returning from the war, he worked as a supervisor at Diamond Reo, Lansing, Michigan and after retiring he worked part-time for the Michigan Education Association Retired Teachers. Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing and hunting, as well as investing in the lives of young men! He coached the Varsity boy’s Charger basketball team at Capital City Christian School, Lansing, Michigan. Lyle was a member of Maranatha Baptist Church where he served for years as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, choir member, discipler of young married couples, and wherever he was needed. Lyle continued his love of sports on the golf fairways and in the shortstop position on the ball diamond. He enjoyed traveling to the Bahamas, isolated areas in the Canadian wilderness, Switzerland, and yes, the Town of Frankfort and surrounding areas, including Pointe Betsie. In 1996, Lyle and Alvina relocated to the Valley of the Sun, specifically Chandler, Arizona and became members of First Baptist Church of Tempe and a member of their staff. Later he facilitated their Griefshare ministry. In his spare time, he enjoyed acrylic painting, as well as coaching tennis, and at 90 years old he checked off another box on his Bucket List and began playing the drums for Jam Sessions at the 55+ community and an independent living facility! Lyle would light up a room with his infectious smile, contagious optimism, and amusing jokes! He loved people! One of his great grandchildren recently said it best, “He is the man!” Lyle is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws,

George and Pam Rosendale and James and Bonnie Brooks, four grandchildren and their spouses, Mark and Michelle Rosendale, James, Jr. and Melissa Brooks, Matthew and Lori Rosendale, and Jonathan and Heather Shaw, along with 11 beautiful great grandchildren, cousin, nieces and nephews and “adopted” son and daughter, Fritz and Anneke Lauffenberger! A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Tempe, 525 S McClintock Drive, Tempe, Arizona on Friday evening, March 20 at 7:00 pm. Special thanks to Legacy Home Care and Hospice of the Valley for their loving and caring touch! A Memorial Fund has been established in Lyle’s name at First Baptist Church of Tempe!