Betty Marie (O’Brien) Ward, 93, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away peacefully with her husband at her side, Friday evening, October 11, 2024, at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

She was born March 29, 1931, in DeKalb, Illinois, the daughter of Charles “Cuddy” and Shirley (Middleton) O’Brien. Betty married Jay Ward on September 1, 1950 in DeKalb, Illinois.

Betty was a graduate of DeKalb High School class of 1949 and went on to complete a year of study at NIU. She worked for DeKalb AG and Research for a few years and later worked alongside Jay in his electrical contracting business where she handled the bookkeeping and office responsibilities. Most importantly she is remembered as the loving wife and mother that she truly was. Her family and homemaking always came first and that was her true vocation. Whether tending to her husband, children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, she always found time to be a support to all, giving practical help and care or a warm embrace, 

She is survived by her husband Jay; her three children Debra (Mark) Mayronne, Craig (Beth) Ward and David (Dana)Ward; her eight grandchildren Jennifer (Eric) Chutorash, Sara Mayronne, Laura (Ryan) Rodriguez, Veronica (Brian) Almdale, Margaret (Jack) Hartley, Cally Ward, Taryn (Jordan) Graham and Kyle Ward. Betty’s last years of her life were blessed and enriched further with the joy of nine additional great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her son Mark (in infancy); her parents; her brothers Charles “Chuck” and Thomas; her sister Shirley; and her granddaughter Amy (in Infancy).

The Funeral Service will be held at  11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb with Rev. Jon Crail. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Opportunity House in DeKalb in memory of Betty Ward, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.