Lima, OH
Kelly Ann Ward, age 61, passed away May 12, 2023, at 8:11 am, at The Ohio State University-Wexner Medical Center with her loving father by her side. Kelly was born October 12, 1961 in Lima, OH, to Ron and Carol (Boyd) Ward. Her mother preceded her in death.
Kelly was a 1980 graduate of Bath High School and earned an Associates Degree in Early Child Development from the Lima Technical College. She enjoyed working with children at Trinity United Methodist Creative Child Care. She took her career working with children to becoming the Assistant Director then to Director at Shawnee Children’s Program and later on working as Director for a child care center in Findlay, Ohio. She worked at Lima Family Physicians before retiring.
Kelly enjoyed her girlfriend trips to Siesta Key, Florida which always included spending time at the beach and lunch at Captain Curt’s. She always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was a devoted Ohio State Buckeye fan. Kelly will be deeply missed and remembered by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
In addition to her father, Kelly is survived by aunts, Sue (Dennis) Stempfley, Linda (Harry) Koeckritz, Kathy Ward; uncles, Tom Boyd and John Ward; cousins, Todd (Sarah) Clark, Darren (Jennifer) Clark, Greg (Pam) Clark, Margie Boyd, Lynnette (Tim) Taviano, Matt (Kris) Ward, Brent (Shelly) Ward and Troy (Stacy) Ward; best friends Kelly Murphy, Bretta Roush, Barb Blymyer; and her loving companion dog, Baileigh.
Kelly is preceded in death by grandparents; John and Lucille Boyd, Oliver and Kathryn Ward; uncles, Jim Boyd, Virgil Boyd, Don Boyd, Oliver Jr. Ward, and Tommy Lee Ward.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at the CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, EASTSIDE CHAPEL with Rev. Lori Wright to officiate the service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 pm and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the EASTSIDE CHAPEL. Memorial contributions may be made to Arthritis Foundation or Deb’s Dogs. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com. “I am thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength”.
