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On April 17, 2024, the Lord called his good and faithful servant, Virginia Darlene Varney Ward, home to her eternal resting place. She was surrounded by her loving daughter and grandson with whom she resided for 11.5 years in Indianapolis, Indiana. Virginia, or "Ginny" as her friends called her, was born on September 16th, 1935, to Margaret "Peggy" Varney in Joliet, Illinois.
At age 6, Virginia, her sister and mother went to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and resided there until Virginia turned 13 years old. Virginia loved riding the trolly and going to the beach every day and could remember her friends by name even to this day when gazing at photographs. However, the family returned to Illinois and Virginia finished school, graduating from Tuscola High School. She also met Herschel L. Ward and they married on June 13, 1954. Soon thereafter, they adopted 2 children, Matthew and 3 years later, Julie. In 1977, they moved to Brocton, Illinois to farm family land and remained there until 2008. Virginia was a homemaker and a farm wife. You could find her hauling grain, driving a tractor, and somehow finding time to go to Julie's sporting events and keeping score for the Volleyball team or volunteering with Hume Christian Church. Virginia also worked at The Crosswalk in Paris, Illinois for several years.
Herschel and Virginia retired from farming and purchased a beautiful property in Greenup, Illinois in 2008 and resided there until Herschel's death in August 2013. Virginia then moved to Indianapolis, IN to reside with her daughter Julie and Grandson Malachai. Virginia started going to Independent Adult Day Center a couple days a week where she enjoyed playing (and winning) bingo, doing arts and crafts, and going to eat at various restaurants and shopping. Her favorite place to eat was Golden Corral. Attending the Day Center was the highlight of her week. She was very loved by the staff and her peers. They treated her like family. They often commented to Julie and Malachai how sweet and kind she was to everyone.
Wherever Virginia was, whether at the Day Center or at home, you could find her with a book in her hands. She loved to read all kinds of books, including the Bible, detective stories, and books on past history. Additionally, she enjoyed coloring and would make sure her home had something colored for every occasion. Many of those finished masterpieces hang on the walls today. She, Julie and Malachai made many memories together over the years. Virginia especially liked attending church at Lakeview Christian Church or Emmanuel Church. Virginia was a spiritual role model for many friends and family.
Virginia is proceeded in death by her Husband Herschel L. Ward, Sister Jean Leonard, her mother Margaret Varney. She is survived by her Daughter Julie Ward and Grandson Malachai Ward of Indianapolis, IN, Son Matthew (Christina) Ward and granddaughters, Samantha and Alexandria Ward of Homer, IL, 2 nephews and one niece and several great nephews and nieces as well as great-great nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Krabel Funeral Home in Oakland, IL. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Tuscola Cemetery.
To plant a tree in memory of Virginia "Ginny" Ward, visit the Tribute Store.
25
Apr
215 E. Main Street
Oakland, IL 61943
25
Apr
215 E. Main Street
Oakland, IL 61943
Krabel Funeral Home & Cremation Service
215 E. Main St., Oakland, IL 61943 • Phone: (217) 346-2121
602 E. Madison Ave., Chrisman, IL 61924 • Phone: (217) 269-2392
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