Betty Charlene Ward

Charlene was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Willis Henry Howard and Iva Evlyn (Ehrhardt) Howard on August 13, 1943. She graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1961. In August of 1963 she married her husband, of 57 years, James “Phillip” Ward.

A devoted Christian, she lived the example of a servant. Whether it was teaching children’s bible class when her children were young, or lovingly baking her pies for others. She especially loved the holidays and would create “goodie” trays full of traditional cookie and candy recipes to give to those around her.

She left a legacy of hard work. Her hands were never idle. She worked outside the home for over 20 years at Eastern Michigan University. During the summers, in Milan Michigan, she canned endless amounts of fruits and vegetables for her family and others, and even when tired, she would relax by picking up her crochet needle and yarn to create beautiful blankets and afghans to give to others. One, of which she was proudest of, won 1st place at the Michigan State Fair.

She was a Wife, Mother, Grandma, and Nanny. She showed her love in millions of different ways and was never more than a phone call away. Never to forget a birthday, she would call and sing “Happy Birthday” in the early morning hours.

She was a faithful Christian. Her most important legacy to her family was the foundation she laid of faith. She taught her children about God’s love and eternal hope in heaven and for this, above all else, they are forever grateful.

Charlene was preceded in death by her father Willis Howard and her mother Evlyn Howard in 2002. Survivors include her husband Phillip Ward of Bentonville. A son, Kevin (Cindy) Ward of Clinton, Michigan. A daughter, Kimberly (Bill) Brunkhardt of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Two brothers, Dalles Howard of Pocahontas, Arkansas, and Hurshel Howard of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.