Margaret "Midge" Ward

Margaret "Midge" Ward, 80, of Springfield, passed away at 11:10 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2014 at her residence. Midge was born on May 2, 1934 in Oak Park, Illinois the daughter of Otto Herman and Helen Marie Steen Dumke. Midge married Patrick H. Ward on May 4, 1957 at St. Luke's in River Forest, he preceded her in death. Midge earned her bachelor's degree from Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois. She then went on to a career with the State of Illinois Department of Employment Security and retired after 26 years. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church where she was an Extraordinary Minister. She participated in Our Lady of the Snows, St. Joseph's Home Coterie, was a National Park Foundation supporter, and a Right to Life supporter. She enjoyed traveling with friends to Treasure Island, Florida, and enjoyed having coffee with her friends at Seasons. Midge was a supportive mother and grandmother, and loved all pets. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother Joseph Dumke; and one grandson, Bobby. She is survived by her children, Pat (companion, Carlyn) Ward of Springfield, Beth (husband, Bob) Martin of Chatham, Margo (husband, Ted) Hasara of Springfield, Ed (companion, Linda) Ward of Dawson, Mike (wife, Betsy) Ward of International Falls, MN, Anne (husband, Dave) McGrath of Springfield; twelve grandchildren, Branden, Amy, Mindy, Patrick, A.J., Catherine, Jake, Allison, Connor, Libby, Maggie, and Ryan, ten great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2014 at Blessed Sacrament, 748 W. Laurel Street, Springfield, with Fr. Jeff Grant officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Patrick's School, 1800 S. Grand Ave E., Springfield, IL 62703; Animal Protective League of Springfield, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702; or St. John's Hospital Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62769.