Beatrice Kay Ward

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and wife. Beatrice Kay Ward, who passed away on the morning of May 8, 2023, at the age of 88, in her hometown of New Castle, Indiana. She was born on June 17, 1934, in New Castle, IN, a daughter of the late William Howard Carter and Helen Stonerock-Carter. Beatrice Kay Ward had an accomplished life that spanned several decades. After attending Ball State University, she began her career with the Navy and was later reassigned to the Army, where she was stationed in Germany and several places in the United States. While in Germany, she met the love of her life and future husband, Michael Ward. She later moved to Washington D.C., where she worked in the Pentagon for the office of the United States Chief of Staff for the Army. She then returned to Germany with her husband and later back to Georgia and finally finished her career in Hawaii, receiving one of the highest civilian ranks possible. After retiring, Beatrice Kay Ward and her husband moved to Oregon, where they lived for several years taking care of her husband’s ailing mother. Finally, her wish was granted to move back home to New Castle where she spent her final years with her family in Indiana. Bea, as she was known by most, was a loving and devoted wife and mother, and she will be deeply missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. Her family and friends will remember her for her kind heart, unwavering support, and selfless dedication to her loved ones and her country. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 43 years, Michael Ward; children, Joni Miller, Eric Longworth, Geralyn Ward, Michelle Kudrin, Ruth Dipietro, Nikki Longworth, Alisa Pittrizzi and Nanci Albrecht; grandchildren, Jason Miller, Jessica Cox, Justin Miller, Emily Goerdt and Isabella Kudrin; great grandchildren, Kordia Miller, Ashli Cox, Keagan Cox, Ellaina Miller, Vivian Miller, Rigden Miller, Rexton Miller, Layla Mae Goerdt and Sophie Lynne Goerdt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Carter; a sister, Barbara Harding, a son-in-law, Mitchell Miller; a grandson, Nicholas Longworth and a great granddaughter, Grace Miller. Funeral services will be held privately for family and close friends at Sproles Family Funeral Home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to care for the family of Beatrice Ward.

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Beatrice Kay Ward

June 17, 1934 - May 8, 2023