Barbara R. Ward

Barbara R. Ward, 78, of Villa Grove passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Carle Hospital in Urbana. 

Barbara was born on November 17, 1945 to Thomas and Margret (McLane) Davis in Tuscola, IL.  She married Phillip Ward on February 11, 1961 in Villa Grove.  They spent 44 years together before his passing in 2005.

Also preceding her in death are her parents, and one sister, Carol Burch.

She is survived by three children, Donald Ward, Thomas (Lisa) Ward, and Tina Moore; seven grandchildren, Mindi, Rachel, Roscoe, Madison, Slade, Kennedy, and Ryce; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Barbara was a country music fan and enjoyed coloring in her free time.  Her and her husband Phillip owned different classic cars throughout their lives and would take them to the local car shows.  Even after they no longer owned those cars, they still like going to the car shows to meet up with old friends and look at all the other cars. 

Barbara loved to go to Villa Grove sporting events to watch her grandchildren play, and would continue going even after her grandchildren were graduated.  There wasn’t anything she loved more than getting together with her family; it was the most important thing to her. 

Barbara retired from SuperValue and attended the Villa Grove First Christian Church and Victory Church in Camargo.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove with a funeral service starting at 2 p.m.; Pastor Mike Zylstra will be officiating.  Burial will follow at the Villa Grove Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

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