of Cave Creek, AZ
January 16, 1953 - June 1, 2017
Sherry Jean Ward, 64, a longtime resident of Cave Creek, Arizona, passed away from breast cancer on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Scottsdale's Mayo Hospital Hospice.
Born in Batesville, Arkansas, in 1953, she was the daughter of Ed and Alma Ward. Sherry spent her childhood in Flint, Michigan. After graduating from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a degree in journalism, she moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, then relocated to Arizona in the early 1990s. Her life interests included exploring other cultures, telling people's stories, and seeking truth and spirituality.
She is survived by her mother, Alma Ward of Carefree, Arizona and Batesville, Arkansas; sister Jeanette Thompson; brother-in-law Patrick Thompson; and two nieces, Kimm Stewart (husband Nathan) and Tracy Severson (husband Courtney, children Vivian, Margot, and Emory), all of Portland, Oregon.
She is predeceased by her father, Ed Ward, of Batesville.
A memorial service will be held at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville at 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2017, with Bro. Rian Puckett officiating. Visitation is from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Friday, prior to the memorial service.
Honorary pallbearers are her cousins whom she loved dearly.
Sherry loved her adopted home in the Arizona desert, serving as a board volunteer and contributor for the Desert Foothills Library and supporting local community artists. A successful businesswoman and published author, she enjoyed international travel in her free time. She shared generously of her time, her assets, and her love for others, including family, friends, and many she had not met. She sponsored a young child in West Virginia throughout his school years, providing additional assistance so he could attend prom. She also funded survival items for people living in several third-world countries.
She was an avid rock and gemstone hunter, and took great joy from her large collection of unique specimens gathered during many arduous hikes and annual attendance at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show.
Sherry will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Heifer International, Donor Services, PO Box 8058, Little Rock, AR 72203 or the Humane Society of Independence County, 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, AR 72501
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22 Condolence(s)
Pam McClure Peacock
Sunday, June 11, 2017
It's with great sadness that I say goodbye to a dear friend and cousin. May God hold your hand thru this tragic time and know all the cousins and family are with you. With Love, Pam
Shawna
Friday, June 9, 2017
It's so hard to believe than Sherry is gone , Even tho she is not hear with us in person her spirit and love will be with us all forever! I fell very bless to have known Sherry! My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Alma, Jan and family during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Shawna
Sandra
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Jan and family. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sandy Hughes
Jan McConn
Thursday, June 8, 2017
I was so saddened and shocked to hear about Sherry's passing. She was one of the most kind and beautiful people I had every known. I had not seen her for few years, but we talked about a reunion and that I visit her in AZ about a year ago. I was not able to get away, and now I am so very sad that I will never see this wonderful person and friend again. May God Bless you Sherry; you lived a full life of love, friendship and kindness. Prayers to all of your family, as you rest in peace! I will never forget you!!
Marilyn Diemer Earnheart
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Mrs. Alma, Jan & family,
My heart is so heavy for each of you in the loss of Sherry.
Praying for peace, strength & courage for you during this
difficult time.
In His Love,
Marilyn
Tommy & Mary Beth Milligan
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Alma and family we are so very sorry for you all. Love and prayers!
Mary Painter
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
My deepest sympathy for your loss !
Jane Vinson
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Alma & Jan,
So very sorry for your tremendous loss! Such a beautiful soul! Fond memories of your Sis' visits back in the day! Prayers and love your way!
Jane
Brenda Bissell
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Alma, so sorry to hear about Sherry. Please know you are all in my prayers. I enjoyed the time I spent working for her at ARRC back in the 90's. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Jeannie and John Frye
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
My heart breaks with the loss of my beautiful, loving and generous cousin. She will be greatly missed. I love her so much, and always will. Rest In Peace.
Suzan Dailey
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss
Tracey Bowman
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Wonder employer and friend that I will miss dearly. Alma and Jan please know you are in my prayers .
Mitsie mason
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Jan & Alma,
My heart hurts from your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for Gods peace to comfort you.
Love
Mitsie & David
Carie Golden
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Sherry was such an inspiration to me...Much love to Miss Alma and Sherry's entire family.
Penny Rueter
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
I did not know her personally just through her sister who loved her unconditionally! My prayers for this family.
Bradley Lalonde
Monday, June 5, 2017
Deepest sympathies. Sherry was a good friend and classmate from junior high school and through 4 years at Michigan. Fondest memories.
Chelsea Varnell
Monday, June 5, 2017
My prayers surround the Ward family
WILL B DUNN
Monday, June 5, 2017
Sherry was a lovely caring friend and we spent many good times over a cup of coffee in Cave CreekArizona I will never forget her. With good memories..Will B. Dunn
Dennis & Janet Brezler
Monday, June 5, 2017
Love and Prayers for all.
Clayton Betzing
Monday, June 5, 2017
Sherry will always be missed by those who knew her and those whose lives she touched. Her Kearsley Class of 1971 Classmates will mourn the loss of such a wonderful human being who was so beautiful inside and out. Love Ya Sis may you rest in Gods loving hands.
Kerry Lee
Monday, June 5, 2017
Alma & Jan, I Loved your Girl! She was my Beloved Friend and Spiritual Mentor for many years. Sherry was an Amazing Soul and I was so Lucky to have been Blessed by her Kindness and Love. I am so sorry for your loss and mine. However, I am comforted by knowing she had a personal relationship with Jesus. I will Forever Miss her. She was my Earth Angel.
Always Love, Kerry Lee Eastman
Alan Vickery
Monday, June 5, 2017
Alma,
So sorry to hear of your daughters passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery