Ruth Ward

Ruth Ward

Memorial services will be held for Ruth Ward at the Manville Community Church on Friday, Dec. 2, 1994, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Roger A. Ludwig officiating. Ruth, age 90, died on November 27, 1994, at the Niobrara County Memorial Hospital of cancer. Burial will be in the cemetery at Lusk.

Ruth, the youngest of six children, was born on Dec. 25, 1903, at Brush, Colo. Her parents were Alvin and Ida May Linville Hockett. At that time, her father was a traveling photographer. Then around 1906, her father homesteaded in Sioux County, Neb., where she grew up and received her education at the Sunny Slope School in District 57.

Ruth was married to Zeb W. Ward on April 12, 1922, at her parent's home. Shortly afterwards, the couple traveled by team and wagon to Zeb's homestead on Dogie Creek in northern Niobrara County. In those first years, Ruth often stayed on the homestead with the children while Zeb worked away at various jobs. The homestead gradually increased in size, and it remained their home until 1949 when they moved to Manville.

Ruth cherished the ties of family and friends, being "Grandma" to many people. She enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting, quilting and other crafts. She had been a member of the Manville Homemakers Club for 44 years and was a member of the AARP and other associations.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Zeb; daughter, Grace Vera; son, Charley Claud; her parents; three sisters, Daisy, Ellen and Clara; two brothers, Charley and Arthur; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, Grant Robert Ward of Lance Creek and Fred E. Ward of Lander; daughter, May Ellen Smith of Manville; 11 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to either the Niobrara County Historical Society or the Niobrara Senior Center.

Bader Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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