She worked as Licensed Practical Nurse for many years before her illness, but her favorite job was being a stay-at-home Mom raising her three girls. She enjoyed camping trips to Albert Pike, collecting rocks from her travels, and digging for arrowheads. She enjoyed being in her backyard, caring for her plants and flowers, gardening and woodworking, such as building birdhouses. She enjoyed spending time and laughing with her grandchildren, and the companionship of her two cats that called her bed their own. Although her disease took away her ability to enjoy the outdoors, her bedroom was always filled with flowers and other special items from family and friends. She was able to spend her last remaining years in her own home from the support of various medical teams. She received the most excellent around-the-clock care from her nurses and caregivers, many who will always be considered part of her family. In the end, she did not let the inability to speak interfere with letting people know how much she loved them with a sweet smile, or if she was annoyed by them with her notorious eye roll. Her positive attitude and tremendous bravery during her battle with ALS was inspirational and will be remembered by all of those who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond G. Ward, Sr.; brother, Guynn “G.W.” Ward; and a step-father, Dwight Farish.
Those left to cherish her memory are her mother, Jo Ann Brasier Farish; her three daughters, Casey Brock de Yampert (Eric), Lisa Brock Paulus (Trey Martin), Kelsi Brock (Stephen Mitcham); her five grandchildren, Ellye de Yampert, Beckett de Yampert, Dawson Biggers, Ben Paulus, David Mitcham; brother, Larry Ward (Pauline); sisters, Robin Spencer (Tracy), Lori Watson (David), Denise Barrett (James); a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Young’s Funeral Home.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Ebenezer Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Pelz officiating. Burial will follow at Burns Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to the ALS Foundation of Arkansas, 1200 W. Walnut St., Suite 2406, Rogers, AR 72756.
An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
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