Helen Louise Ward was born on December 3, 1939 in Norwich, Kansas to Ervin Ray and Mary Alice (Ridge) Walters.  She attended school at Norwich through her sophomore year.  At the age of 48, Helen obtained her GED from Pratt Community College.

On December 7, 1958, Helen was united in marriage with Clarence Homer Ward in her parent's home near Norwich.  They made their home in Norwich on the farm that Clarence inherited at the age of 10.  The couple were blessed with three children: Kasey, Les, and Janet Kay.

Spending most of her life as a housewife and farmer's wife, Helen enjoyed working on the farm with Clarence.  She also enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and helping with her grandkids when she could.  Upon Clarence's retirement, Helen began working at the Conway Springs Care Center in the laundry room.  When the Norwich Care Center opened, she got a job there as the laundry and housekeeping supervisor and was able to be the boss of two of her grandchildren, Adam Van Gieson and Katie Garrison.

Helen was a member of the Church of Christ in Norwich.  She taught bible class, helped with cleaning the building, and helped prepare communion.

At the age of 81 years, 10 months, and 28 days, Helen passed away on October 31, 2021 at the Trident Hospital in North Charleston, South Carolina.  She was on a trip visiting her daughter, Kasey Briggs and her family and was able to have a wonderful visit for a week before she passed.

Preceding Helen in death are her parents; three sisters: Deloris Konetchy, LaVeta Garrison, and Jean Marnell; and brother, Raymond Walters.  She will be deeply missed by children: Kasey Briggs (Patrick) of Hanahan, South Carolina, Leslie Ward (Tammy) of Norwich, and Janet Van Gieson (Robert) of Norwich; grandchildren: Sean Briggs (Samantha) and Reed Briggs of Hanahan, Katie Garrison of Nebraska, Brandon Ward of Claremore, Oklahoma, Hope Cantrell (Damion) of Inola, Oklahoma, Shanese Garrison, of Claremore, Adam Van Gieson (Kassey) of Goddard, Kansas, Jamie Van Gieson of Highland, Kansas; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Harriet and Carol Walters of Kingman, Kansas; brother, David Walters (Marsha) of Salina, Kansas; a host of other relatives and many friends.

Memorial Service is 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 12, 2021 at the church of Christ in Norwich with Robert Burton officiating.  A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Upchurch Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Norwich EMS or the American Cancer Society and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas  67003