Jane Ward

PAWNEE, IL – Isabelle Jane Ward, 70, died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Ill.

Jane was born Nov. 20, 1943, in Springfield, the daughter of William Russell and Valeria M. (Haire) Barnes. She married Samuel Ward, Jr., in Springfield on Feb. 18, 1973. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Sheri Rae (Miller-Ward) Seelund in 2012.

Jane graduated from Springfield High School in 1961. She retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation after 35 years of service. Jane's favorite pastime was weekend shopping with her sister, Cathy, and spending fun times with Sam and all of their car club friends. Her greatest joy was family.

She is survived by her husband, Sam, of Pawnee; three sons, Tim (partner, Rick) Ward of Tampa, Fla., Troy (wife, Debbie) Ward of Taylorville, Ill., and Todd (wife, Connie) Ward of Springfield; daughter, Chrissy (partner, Joe) Miller of Petaluma, Calif.; five grandchildren, Trista (husband, Jake) Jones of Fairfield, Texas, and Tanner, Allison, Samantha and Jake Ward; three great-grandchildren, Leonard, Gracie and Gus Jones; one sister, Cathy (husband, Glenn) Galloway of Pawnee; two nephews, Darren (wife, Alicia) Galloway and Darrek (wife, Miranda) Galloway; aunt and uncle, Jerry and Kenneth Pape, of Pawnee; and several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Jane's family will meet friends Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. The Rev. Aaron Griffith will officiate. Burial will be at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , 675 E. Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Jane Ward. Condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.