« Return to Obituaries | Print
Funeral: 1 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Clay City Cemetery
Donna Ward, age 81, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2017. She was born in Sailor Springs on October 27, 1935 to Alvie F. and Wenona M. (Prosser) Lindeman. On April 11, 1965, she was united in marriage to William "Bill" H. Ward in Flora, and they shared 39 years of marriage together. Bill preceded her in death November 30, 2004.
She is survived by a daughter: Rhonda (husband Lee) Ryker of Clay City; a grandson: Kenny (wife Ashley) Ryker of Litchfield; a granddaughter: Kourtney (husband Brian) Kohn of Flora; 3 great-grandchildren: Collin Moseley, Braydon Ryker, and Brilynn Kohn; 3 step-great-grandchildren: Lexus Kohn, Isaiah Kohn, and Jazmine Kohn; a step-great-great-grandson: Mason Kohn; a brother: Dennis (wife Susanne) Lindeman of Clay City; 3 nephews: Matt (wife Misty) Lindeman, Mark Lindeman, and Marty (wife Heather) Lindeman; 2 great-nieces: Molly and Bristol; and a great-nephew: Memphis; and longtime best friend: Wanita Jenkins of Olney. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Donna’s warm spirit and strong faith is carried on through the adoring and supportive relationships she had with her family and friends, and especially her grandchildren and later, her great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Ina." When her grandkids took part in a sporting event or activity, they could count on her attendance and wholehearted encouragement and lively participation. She had worked in clerical and stenography positions, including for JW Rudy, and confirmed that you should never stop learning throughout life when she enrolled in an associate degree program in cosmetology and celebrated both a graduation and her 60th birthday. Donna was a member of the Clay City First Baptist Church where she served as longtime Sunday School teacher for youth and adults, and as Clerk and Treasurer. She was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed fishing, and liked to visit new places, serving as a travel guide for B-Jay Travel and JD Transit.
A funeral service for Donna Ward will be 1 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Pastor Brad Harris officiating. Interment will be in Clay City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Clay City First Baptist Church, and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Rhonda, Lee and Family, May you find peace and comfort in knowing that Donna loved the Lord and also loved her family. very much. Christians never say good bye. She was a blessing to those who knew her.
Dear Rhonda and Lee and Family. Thinking of you in prayer . Donna sure loved you all✝
Rhonda, Lee & family, So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was such a sweet lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her. She will be sadly missed by so many. Prayers and hugs to all of you. Sondra & family
Rhonda, So sorry to hear about your Mom.
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
A very nice and pretty lady. Prayers to the family. God Bless you all!
So sorry to all the family. I went to cosmetology school with Donna. We had such a great time. She was sure proud of her whole family.
So sorry to hear the news about Donna. I know you have lots of memories of her and all her family. Prayers for the family
So sorry, thoughts and prayers , may God wrap His loving arms around you all. She was such a sweetheart and always had a smile for everybody.
Sorry to learn of your loss. Donna was a very sweet lady. I enjoyed talking to her. At the games in the store or where we may be. Comfort prayers for the family.
Donna was so good to my Mother, Erba Schnautz as she was to a lot of people. I thought the world of her. Prayers to her family.
Rhonda and family, so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother. Know that she is celebrating in our heavenly home. She so loved the Lord. She was so proud of you and your family. My brother Ron loved visiting with her when in town.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family.
Rhonda, I'm so sorry that you are suffering the loss of your dear mother. Sadly, I know just what you're feeling. I'm so glad I got to see her just a few days ago. You and your family are in my prayers for strength and peace.
so faithfully brought colin for guitar lessons and was so encouraging in many ways---------she will be missed and remembered.
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for the loss of this wonderful lady...my thoughts are prayers are with the family..
Dear Rhonda, Lee, and Family, We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Rhonda's Mom. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Donna was a very special lady who never met a stranger. My Grandma Erba and Donna were good friends and they enjoyed each other's company very much. Donna was so proud of her family, especially her grandkids and great grandkids. My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to the family. Donna will definitely be missed by many.
Rhonda, Lee and Collin, So sorry for your loss. I know how close you all were. I will always remember the great times at the bnowling alley. She was a wonderful woman. You will all be in our prayers.
Rhonda & Lee and family, I am so sorry about your mom passing. We didn't get to visit much but she always was in my heart as my family. She is going to be missed dearly. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and a good friend to a lot of people.
So sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around you for comfort and strength. Prayers for you all. Donna was sweet and always had a smile on her face. God Bless
We knew Donna many, many years ago!! She and Wanita and another Donna worked with terry at the shoe factory!! They all kept him in line!"lol. She had a great sense of humor!!! Condolences to her family and friends!!!
She was an amazing lady, my thoughts and prayers with her family
Sorry she is gone, our family will always miss her. Our Mother and Donna were very close , and so were we.
I am so sad to loose such a dear friend. Sunday before last I got a wonderful hug from Donna at Grandmas Kitchen. Mom ,Retha was happy we got to see her and she was worried about mom. Years ago when mom had card parties Donna and I kidded each other and had to sit apart because of 2 Donnas. Our family loved her dearly. Retha always said she was her best friend
We are so sorry for your loss. May you feel GOD'S arms around you giving you strength and comfort during this time and in the days to come.
Rhonda,, Lee and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of a loved one,, she was very nice inside and out. May God be with all of the family while going threw this hard time. God Bless
My heartfelt condolences.
Sympathy is extended to The Family. Sorry for Your Loss.
Donna was a fun loving lady..we bowled league together many years ago. Prayers for her family......
She was such a sweet lady. Will never forget her smile and her love for children. Sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Donna. You have our deepest sympathies. She was one of our most favorite patients and we will miss her. We will keep your family in our prayers and thoughts.
Donna was great Christian. I alway remember way help ERBA Schnautz. Taking. Place. Donna And l grew up Sailor Spring. Her father work my father sawmill together. Donna has help lot person, She will be missed by me and other
Rhonda, Lee, and family, we are saddened to read of the loss of your dear sweet mom. She was a blessing to everyone in her life and her love for each one of you will remain in your hearts forever. May our Lord be with you in the days ahead.
Rhonda and Family: We offer our condolences to y'all in the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry mark prays for family
I was so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I know that she will be deeply missed as she was such a big part of your lives. My earliest memories are of her videoing Courtney's gymnastics meets. Oh, what a cheerleader! Later, each time that I would see her, she would share information about Collin. She was so proud of him as he shared his faith at Church. How lucky you all are to have so many cherished memories!
I always kidded Donna by saying that she was the best Mother-in-law that I ever had, ....she was my 2nd Mom, ....and friend. May God receive her with open arms. May He continue to comfort and keep my family, .....
Donna and I were cousins (a few times removed). Donna and Bill were wonderful to my mother (Betty Marshall Ragsdale) and father (Jim Ragsdale) after they retired and moved to Flora. I really appreciated all of her help. My condolences to the family. I know she will be deeply missed.
Rhonda, I was so sorry to hear just today that you had lost your mom. I hadn't seen her for ages but always thought a lot of her. You and your family are in my prayers!
I am so sorry. I just found out. Donna was my favorite person to drive bus for. I have such fond memories of times that we spent together and scrapbooks that she made. I am so sad today.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]