MARY RUTH WARD

October 22, 2020

Mary Ruth Ward, 84, of Big Stone Gap, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at her home.
She was born and raised in Patrick County, Virginia, the daughter of the late Ellis T. and Ruth (deHart) Smith. She moved from Martinsville, Va. to Big Stone Gap in 1976 and worked in the dietary department of Lonesome Pine Hospital. She was of Baptist faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William “Buddy” Ward; daughter, Teresa Anne Ward; sisters, Estelle Joyce and Daisy Turner; brother, Robert Smith; daughter-in-law, Kathy Ward; and son-in-law, Jay Dula.
Surviving are her sons, W. B. Ward, Madison Heights, Va., Keith Ward, Chris and wife Sabrina Ward, all of Big Stone Gap; daughter, Lisbet Dula, Virginia Beach, Va.; grandchildren, John Ward, Misty Ward, Cody Ward (Alex) and Scott Ward; great grandchildren, Willoh and Prim Dietz; brother, Howard T. Smith, Stuart, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to MEOC and PACE for their special care, and to Mary Ann Tabor, who was Mrs. Ward’s personal care aide and friend.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 22 at Gilliam Funeral Home, Big Stone Gap. The funeral service followed at 7 pm with Greg Townsend, minister and Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating.

Graveside Committal services will be conducted at 11 am Friday, October 23. The family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 10:30 am to go in procession.

Pallbearers will be Keith Ward, Scott Ward, Cody Ward, Robert Hill, Joey Skeen, and Randy Gabbert.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Mrs. Ward’s family.