Agnes Louise Ward, 90, of Carthage, Missouri love of life didn’t end with her passing on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. She was surrounded by love, and we will continue her legacy of love by living our lives in her honor. Agnes was born on July 19, 1933, in Joplin, Missouri, to Elmer Wieland and Cecil (Bucher) Wieland. Agnes has been a long-time resident of Jasper County and worked as a registered nurse at St. John’s Hospital for 43 years before retiring. She was an incredible nurse and chose her career to serve others and continue to be a healer and nurturer after the early passing of her mother. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage, and we still joke that her prayers were a direct line to heaven. Many rosaries were worn out praying for her family.
Agnes was united in marriage to Harold Ward on January 17, 1958; they had a long happy marriage and he preceded her in death on February 10, 2003. They are once again united along with their baby daughter, Gloria.
She is survived by one son, Charles Ward (Sylvia) of Joplin; two daughters, Margaret Long (Scott) of Carthage and Mary Ward Mobley (Mark) of Joplin; and two sisters, Margaret Wood of San Antonio, Texas, and Celia Ritter of Prescott, Arizona; two grandchildren, Justin Ward, ( Andrea) and Amber Ward, (Bill) three great- grandchildren, Jalynn Smith Ward, Lake Ward, and Jillian Guinn; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Her family was her biggest joy and she was our biggest supporter and friend. We have been blessed to have been loved by her all these years. She exemplified love and gentleness and all who met her were immediately drawn into her big blue eyes and incredible heart. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
A Rosary will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. The Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 2, 2024, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Carthage. The burial will take place at Hackney Cemetery in Carthage, immediately after the service.
Contributions can be made to the Joplin Area Catholic School System or Joplin Humane Society.
Condolences may be posted online to www.ulmerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
