of Little Rock, AR
September 19, 1941 - November 18, 2018
Sandra Diane Lilly Ward, MS, RN, age 77, passed from this life on November 18th, 2018. She was the daughter of Lirleen and Russell Lilly. Sandra graduated from the Baptist School of Nursing in 1962 and immediately began her 45-year career as a charge nurse on a medical/surgical floor at the original Baptist Hospital. In 1966, she became the charge nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and participated in the development of the heart surgery program.
In 1974, she became president of the Arkansas Chapter of Critical Care Nurses and began plans for opening a new surgical intensive care unit at the new Baptist Medical Center. In 1978, she developed the program for post-surgical care for heart surgery and opened the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit in 1980. It soon outgrew itself and had to open another unit in the late 1980's
In 1989, as the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit supervisor, she partnered with Stanford University in opening the Heart Transplant Program now at Baptist Medical Center. She, then, became Director of Critical Care in 1993.
Sandra's multiple accolades for nursing include the first Clinical Excellence Award for Management and the prestigious Outstanding Professional Nurse Award from the Arkansas Nurses Association.
Sandra is survived by loving children, Sean (Lynne) Ward and, daughter (and running/travel buddy), Kathleen Ward. Gran doted on her loving grandchildren, Ian and Jackson Ward, who in her eyes, could do no wrong. She loooooved spending time at the beach, especially Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Her family thanks the staff at Parkway Assisted Living and BRI Baptist for the competent and concerned care she was given.
A casual visitation will be held on November 30th, 2018 from 6 to 8pm in the Garden Room at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR, 72211. Her relatives, friends and former colleagues are invited to help the family celebrate her life of achievement, service and love.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to the Baptist Nursing School at Baptist Health Foundation, Nursing Scholarships-BHCLR, 9601 Baptist Health Drive, Little Rock, AR, 72205.
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16 Condolence(s)
DW
Monday, December 10, 2018
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
Gloria Keith Collins
Friday, November 30, 2018
Sandra was a special friend to me. We worked together for over 30 years! She took me under her wing when I first came to Little Rock & Baptist Hospital. We just “clickedâ€, but then she had that gift that made each person feel that way. I will miss her laugh.. Prayers for her children ðŸ™ðŸ»
Ruth Amy James...
Friday, November 30, 2018
Thank you Sandra for making me a part of your CVICU in 1989 when I became a part of a great team of nurses. You were very special to me and many others. I loved your positive attitude and your encouraging nature. You were always such a nice person. I too feel Heaven has gained a new angel. GOD bless your family and hold them all closely during this healing time...
Wanda Bixler
Friday, November 30, 2018
Sean and Kathleen, I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. She was such a blessing in my life and I loved working with her. So many patients, families and other nurses were touched by her kindness and compassion.
Debra Holmes
Thursday, November 29, 2018
It was always a pleasure to work with Sandra. Her sense of humor was always well time and needed for the moment. She was always a joy to be around. She will be missed. My prayers are with the family.
Michael Murry
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Sandra,
Thank you for your guidance while I was a young nurse in CVICU and a young nurse manager! Heaven gained a precious soul!!
Michael Murry
Lavanda Gangluff
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Sandra was always a “stabilizing force” . She mentored and coached many nurses to be the great professionals they are today. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Paulette Knox
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Sandra was a mentor and friend. She was an amazing person and leader. I have happy memories of time spent with Sandra. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Jason and Casey Lee
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Mrs. Sandra was such a special lady and we enjoyed being her neighbor for several years. Our prayers are with your family. We know she will be dearly missed.
Wilma Ring Richter
Monday, November 26, 2018
Sean & Kathleen, I had many wonderful years with your Mom both at work and at play. She's the only person I know who could stay on the beach from sunup to sun down. She was a positive influence on my life. My thoughts are with you.
Sandy Bowen
Monday, November 26, 2018
What an honor to have known and worked with this wonderful lady. She loved her children and grandchildren. She loved nursing! So very sorry to be out of town and not able to celebrate her life. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Debbie and Rick Hare
Monday, November 26, 2018
We will miss this incredible lady. Prayers are with you at the loss of your mother.
Gail Snow Mcarthur
Sunday, November 25, 2018
With you in my thoughts and memories my beloved friend.
Gail
Gail Snow Mcarthur
Sunday, November 25, 2018
With you in my thoughts and memories my beloved friend.
Kelly Evans-Chronister
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Sandra was a wonderful leader and mentor who nurtured many "newbies". She was a true blessing in my life. Thankful for the privilege to work for her. Prayers for her family.
Carole and Tonny Yeung
Saturday, November 24, 2018
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Sandra. Prayers for the family.