Obituary of Phyllis Ward

Phyllis Maxine Ward, of Leona, PA, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at the Troy Community Hospital on Tuesday, November 21, 2017; she was 85. Phyllis will always be remembered for her loving nature, zest for life, and good humor. She was a prolific baker and seamstress; renowned for gifting sweet treats and quilts to nearly everyone she met. While raising a family she worked at the woven label plant, then for many years at Huslander's Garage, keeping the town of Troy supplied with cookies while she managed the office. Phyllis enjoyed square dancing, playing softball and especially volleyball; she had the best serve around, playing pick up games with the family into her early 80s. She was an active member of the Leona United Methodist Church, whose congregation she considered an extended family, and enjoyed spending her Thursdays with friends at the Gillett Senior Center. We will miss her spunk, her sharp wit and most of all her hands, the fruits of which will continue providing warmth and comfort for many years to come. Phyllis was born in East Canton, PA on July 5, 1932 to the late Marion (Wilcox) and Mylert Wright. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Richard Ward; and siblings Marjorie, Jennie, Philip, Marie, Wayne, Shirley, and Mark. Surviving are her sister Merylene (Harold) DeWalt; special friend Lynn Maynard; loving children John (Vena) Ackley of Orange Park, FL; Kayla (Jack) Ward of Phoenix, AZ; Kathy (Bill) Cole of Troy, PA; Michael (Tammy) Ward of Pine City, NY; Teresa (Tim) Ripley of Hill City, SD; Lourie (Tom) Matthews of Spirit Lake, IA; and Anthony (Amy) Ward of Troy, PA; grandchildren Rob, Travis, David, Michael, Jason, Eddie, Joy, Angie, Kaylene, Andrea, Josh, Alex and Amanda; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and beloved dachshund Lucy. Arrangements will be handled by Buckheit Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Animal Care Sanctuary: 353 Sanctuary Hill Lane, East Smithfield, PA, 18817 or to the Bradford County Humane Society: PO Box 179, Ulster PA 18850. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Leona United Methodist Church for calling hours on Saturday, from 10:00 am until noon. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com