of Welcome Home, AR
March 21, 1957 - August 28, 2017
On August 28th, 2017, Kathy Ward left this world for a new world free of cancer and pain. Her courageous fight ended, surrounded by her family at her home in Welcome Home, Arkansas where she had lived for the majority of her life. Kathy was born on March 21st, 1957 in Springfield, Oregon, the second daughter of Bobby and Nola Oliver. Her family lived in Oregon and Indiana before permanently settling in Arkansas. She was a member of the Marshall High School class of 1975 and remained friends with many of her classmates.
Kathy married Jerry Ward in 1978 and to their 28 years of marriage, four children were born-Julie, Jenny, Benny and Hannah. In later years, ten grandchildren joined their family. Kathy was a loving, caring mother, an indulgent ''Grammie'', a devoted daughter and sister, a terrific aunt, a precious cousin and a loyal friend. It goes without saying that she enriched the lives of those she touched. Kathy professed her faith in Christ and was baptized October of 1969 in Bear Creek, and began her walk as a Christian attending the Welcome Home Church. Recently she had attended the Harriet Assembly of God Church with family members when her health permitted.
Kathy was preceded in death by her dad, Bobby Oliver; and brother-in-law, Harold Cash.
Left to carry on her legacy are her four children, Julie Ward of Russellville, Jenny Gray and husband Josh, Benny Ward and wife Shaleena and Hannah Ward, all of Marshall; ten grandchildren who called her ''Grammie''-Austin and Jackson Horton, Jaidyn and Alex Smiley, Colton, Ressie and Maggie Gray, and Gage, Anna and Dylan Ward; her mother, Nola Oliver of Welcome Home; her siblings, Malinda Cash of Marshall and Johnny Oliver and wife Tina of Savannah, TX; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services for Kathy was 10:00 AM Thursday, August 31st, 2017 at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Andy Treat and Bro. Donnie Horton officiating. Visitation was 6:00 till 8:00 PM Wednesday in the Chapel. Burial was in Liberty Cemetery in Van Buren County, where she will be interred with other family members. Pallbearers were her nephews, Dac Cash, Tracy Cash, and Jerry ''Andy'' Oliver; cousins, Jarrett Reves and Stephen Boyd Reves; son-in-law, Thomas Horton; brother-in-law, Carroll Small; and friend, Woody Methvin. Honorary pallbearers were Evan McCallister, Shane McElroy, James Kelley, Jack Kelley and all of Kathy's grandchildren.
I miss you grammy and i wish every day i could see you again love you so very much
Nola,
Just read about your daughter Kathy. So sorry for your loss and all of the family's loss. May the GOD of comfort, comfort you at this time. You and family are in my prayers at this time of loss. Randy H. Housley , Conway,Arkansas.
My heart breaks for all you. It is only through God's grace and mercy, him giving us strength and love that we can withstand losing our loved ones. Kathy was a dear friend and I will miss her greatly. I always knew how very much she loved her family because she showed it in everyway. In Isaiah 57:1 God's word tells us that our loved one's death is not to hurt us but take the redeemed home. You all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Love you lots.
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" ( 3) Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, (4 ) who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
We are so very sorry for your loss. Kathy was a great sweet friend & classmate in school. Sorry that I didn't hear of her passing in time to attend. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family at this hard time.
Even though so far away the loss of such a wonderful lady is deeply felt. We send our love and prayers hoping the weight of your sadness is not greater than you can bare. Again we send much love to all the family.
Dearest Family,
We remember your loved one as a kind and caring woman who was a dear friend to the Earl Harness family. We rejoice to believe that she rest with the saints and awaits a resurrection with all of like faith. Rest precious sister and enter into the joy of the Lord!
Our deepest sympathy. She was such a sweet and brave person. Left a pattern for us to follow.
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I will continue to pray for your family for comfort and peace.
Our prayers are with you and family.
My condolences go out to Kathy's family. May they find peace and comfort in their memories of her.
I am so sorry to learn of Kathy's death. She was such a kind and sweet young woman. My prayers for her mother and other family members.
So sorry for your family's loss. She fought a long and difficult battle, and now is celebrating a well deserved victory over it in a land where suffering and pain never enters. Prayers for all of you guys and the community during this time, because I know we're all going to miss this caring person.
I wish there were words I could use to tell you all how very sorry I am for your loss. I just pray that you feel the effects of all the prayers going up for each of you. Love you guys.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I went to church with Kathy is a child until we were grown she was always great to me I loved her and my prayers are with the family. My deepest sympathies are with you all.
Our deepest sympathy in this time of loss. Prayers for the entire family.
So very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman. My deepest sympathy is with the entire family.
My heart goes out to your Family. PRAYERS..
So very sorry for the loss of your daughter, mother, grandmother and sister. She fought the hard fight and has gained her crown. Cherish the memories and know our prayers are with each of you.
So sorry to hear about Kathy. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kathy Younger Smith
I am so very sorry for your loss. Kathy was a very special lady. She was loved by all who knew her. She always greeted everyone with a smile on her face. She will be missed by everyone who ever knew Kathy. This is a very difficult time for her family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. My thoughts are prayers are with each and everyone of you.