Betty Ward

Betty Louise Ward (nee Holden) passed on November 25, 2025. Wife of the late James Ward of Mt Carmel. She was born in Milford, Ohio on September 23, 1937, to the late Warren and Josephine Holden (nee Bickel) of Milford, Ohio. Mother of Cathy (Donn) Chesley. Beloved Grandmother of Jacob (Lauren) Chesley and Sara (Cody) Bishop. Great Grandmother of Wesley James Bishop. Sister of the late Gene (Kayo) Holden, Jesse Holden, Donna Holden Casey and surviving brother Gene (Anna) Lunsford. Sister-In-Law of the late Don Ward.

Betty and Jim met at church. They were members of the Summerside United Methodist Church over 50 years. She looked forward to the church service every week. Her favorite hymns were How Great Thou Art and In The Garden. She and Jim had many lifelong friends at church.

Betty's first job was at Steelcraft. After Cathy was born she helped her mother "Jo" take care of the mentally and physically disabled foster children at the Holden residence. She helped take care of the house and children.

Betty began her career at McAlpins at the Cherry Grove store, where she ultimately became a Buyer for the Children's Department. Her love for children made her a natural at her job, as she was able to help parents pick out clothes. Some she got to know very well as they were frequent shoppers. She loved the annual "Moonlight" sale and was exhausted for days afterward. She produced kids fashion shows which some of her nieces and nephews were in.

McAlpins were a second family. Betty had so many friends at McAlpins/Dillards. She loved writing poetry and would write poems about the sales staff who worked with her. Always kind to everyone and met everyone with a smile.

She loved going on cruises, and sailed to Alaska, Caribbean, and Europe. She and Jim cruised with family and friends. She and Jim went to Walt Disney World with Cathy and her family; they also cruised with them and enjoyed a short trip to Cedar Point to watch the Grandkids ride roller coasters and ride some of the rides with them.

Betty and Jim would travel to visit Jim's brother, Don, and his family. They also traveled to visit Betty's sister, Donna, and friends who had relocated to FL.

She enjoyed time outside looking at flowers or collecting beautiful leaves that had changed color in the fall.

Betty was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019 and in 2020 she and Jim moved into Pinebrook Assisted Living. She loved the staff there and they were very good to her. She wasn't able to express her appreciation verbally, but she was always smiling and waving to them. Some would share pictures of their kids/Grandkids which she enjoyed.

She loved her family and especially her Grandchildren and she enjoyed her visits with Wesley her first Great Grandchild. As the disease progressed, she couldn't communicate with them, but her face would light up and the biggest smile would appear when they visited.

Betty will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her smile and generosity will live on in our hearts.

Family will receive friends Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 12 Noon until 1 PM service at Moore Family Funeral Homes 6708 Main St. Newtown, Ohio. Interment to follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.