August 8, 1937 - March 22, 2021
Bettye Jean Ward previously of Marion AR passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on March 22, 2021.
Bettye was born in Osceola, AR on August 8, 1937 to John and Ollie Ann Hendon. Bettye was one of 7 siblings. She grew up in Dyess, AR and went to Dyess High School where she met the love of her life, the late Tommy Ray Ward, affectionately known as ''Big Tom''. They married on September 8, 1955. In their early marriage they lived in various places including Arkansas and Michigan as well as, Albuquerque, New Mexico. They first settled in NM where they worked side by side and ran a restaurant. It was also there that they were blessed with 2 sons, Tommy and Jeffrey. They moved to Marion, AR in 1973, where they established their roots, raised their sons and made a life of serving others.
She was lifelong member of First Baptist church in WM where she served on committees, worked in daycare, taught Sunday school and would lend a hand wherever she was needed. Bettye never met a stranger and wore many hats. She worked as an office assistant for many years until retirement when she became the loving and attentive caregiver for her precious mother that lived to 106 and passed in 2013. Bettye was an avid gardener and was a member of the Marion Red Hatters. Perhaps her greatest joy was when she became a Mimi. She did not miss an opportunity to spend time with her grand girls. They were the light of her life.
In 2017, they moved to Spring Hill, TN to be near their son and be able to have the care that they needed. While she always considered Marion as her home, she made quite an impression in the Assisted Living facility and ALWAYS introduced herself as ''Bad Bettye''. In true Bettye fashion, she was loved by all and the life of the party.
Bettye was predeceased by her loving husband Tommy Ray Ward; 3 brothers, JD Hendon, Charles Hendon and Bobby Hendon. She is survived by 2 sons, Tommy (Melissa) Ward II of Spring Hill, TN and Jeffrey (Martha) Ward of Aurora, IL. She was an adoring Mimi to her granddaughters Peyton Ward of Atlanta, GA, Jillian Ward and Natalie Ward of Spring Hill, TN. Also survived by 2 sisters, Mary Carson of CA and JoAnn Harris of AR and 1 brother, James Hendon of MS. She also leaves many Nieces, Nephews and friends that meant so much very much to her.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will be following guidelines issued by the Arkansas Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19. Social distancing of at least six feet must be practiced and all funeral attendees must provide and wear their own mask.
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21 Condolence(s)
Becky Doyle
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
We have fond memories of Ms Bettye when our daughter was at CountryView Day Care Center. She was always happy and friendly and everyone loved her. I know she will be missed. Our prayers go out to her family.
Marla Peden
Thursday, April 1, 2021
I loved Ms Bettye. I am sorry for your loss. It is heavens gain.
Linda Balch Crowe
Monday, March 29, 2021
Betty Jean will always be remembered in my life as a woman who made people laugh and loved unconditionally. She was always happy and now she is the happiest with Jesus and her soulmate and family and friends that have gone on before her.
Prayers for the Ward family in the in the coming days ahead that God will give them peace and strength that surpasses all understanding.
Dianne & Rob Wolfgang
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Tommy, Jeffrey and families:
We are praying for you with the loss of your mom. We are grateful that she is reunited with your dad and her mom and many other loved ones. We will fondly remember so many fun memories and the joy Bettye spread to everyone around her. We love you!
Dianne and Rob Wolfgang
Bonnie Hendon
Denise and Doug Mau
Georgia Linton Johnson
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Tommy and Jeff
I am so sorry for your loss. Bettye was my very best friend. She and Tommy and I were in the same grade at Dyess for many years. We remained friends throughout our lives, visiting at class reunions and in each other’s homes. After they moved to Tennessee and Tommy passed away, we could no longer visit because of Bettyes illness. I look forward to seeing them in heaven 😘
Beverly Moore
Thursday, March 25, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss. She never failed to make us laugh when she and Mrs. Shoemake would visit. The stories she would tell kept us giggling for days. She was a dear friend to Mom.
Betty Kay & Kim Sellers
Thursday, March 25, 2021
While we missed the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Ward, we enjoy her son Tommy, wife Melissa & granddaughters immensely. She certainly raised a fine son & know she will be missed, our condolences to the family
Martha Bryan
Thursday, March 25, 2021
My sincere condolences to Betty's family. May God strength carry you through this difficult time.
Billy Nichols
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Heaven is even sweeter with Betty at the Throne of Jesus. She will never be forgotten in the minds and Hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Karen Marcum
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Jeff and Tommy (and families), Your mother was such a treasure. She almost felt like my own mother in the way she'd dispense life advice as only "Bad Bettye" could. If I am quiet for just a moment, I can hear her laughter. She was such a good friend to my mother and I know my mom has grieved the loss of their friendship due to her declining health. We celebrate with you that she is now reunited with Tommy and her family in heaven. I know one of the first people I'm going to look for when I get there is your mother! I'm sure if there is popcorn in heaven, your dad will have a bowl ready. I look forward to that. Lifting you all in prayer as you go through this difficult week. I wish I could be with you as you celebrate the beautiful life of your sweet mom. Love you, Ward family.
Margaret & Brett Millikin
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Our condolences to the family. Beautiful lady.
Lara and John Grinceri
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
It is with a heavy heart I write this. A truly wonderful lady has left us. Mrs Bettye was a force to be reconded with. She was spirited and feisty, but also incredibly caring and giving! Though I haven't seen her in years, it always brought a smile to know she was out there causing her own kind of chaos! She will be greatly missed, as she was greatly loved!!
Dwayne and Wanda Ramsey
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Such sad news of the loss of this wonderful lady. As we all grieve for our loss Heaven must be celebrating her homecoming. What a joy it was to have known your mother. Prayers for you Tommy, and you too Jeff. May God bless and keep you.
Dwayne and Wanda Ramsey and Sharon Ramsey Gray.
Nell Allen
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
My deepest sympathy
Nancy & Jim Hudspeth
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Tommy we are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can help you with please let us know. We will be praying for you and all your girls. GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACEâœï¸
Sandra Hall
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
So sorry to hear this sad news. May God's grace comfort her loved ones.
I loved Bette Jean, she graduated from Dyess with my brother, Emery and he loved her too. She was a beautiful person inside and out, special and one of a kind. Also, she was a hoot and so much fun to be around. Go rest high on that mountain Bette Jean!
Julia Richardson Stiles
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Tommy and Jeff,
Your mom was always a delight to be around. She was active in the lives of her boys and their activities. I will always remember her bouncing into Walgreens with that big smile on her face. Miss Bettye would buy whatever was on her shopping list while making sure she greeted every employee in the store. We often wondered if she was just coming into Walgreens to check on Jeff to make sure he wasn't goofing off. She was always so upbeat, happy and loving.
Prayers for comfort and peace to you and your families.
Julia Richardson Stiles
Amy Sisson (Payne)
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Tommy, Jeffrey & family, I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Bettye’s passing. She was always so sweet and just a joy to be around. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this time.
Kelly Shoemake-Lambert
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Jeff and Tommy, our family is holding you up in prayer and grieving right along with you. We are going to miss all the antics of your sweet Mother. We have missed her and your dad after their move to Spring Hill. We love you and want you to know you are being lifted up and bathed in prayer.
Zane and Kelly
Jo Beth Schanandore
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a good friend to my mother! They are together now and have their memory. I’m sure they are laughing about all the fun times Ms Chris, mom and she had together. I know Ms Chris has really missed her since she moved. Praying for your family.
Carolyn and Harold Huey
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Such a beautiful, gracious, fun loving, caring, loving and true friend! Bettye will always be remembered because once you met her you would never forget her! She always brought a smile or maybe a full, long laugh! We shared many happy times together on each of our girls trips! We never knew what she would do and always kept us laughing. We will miss you our wonderful friend! God be with Tommy, Jeffery, granddaughters and family! Your lives will be missing a very important person! You have great memories so hold onto them forever! Much love and many prayers for all of you!