Martha Lee “Pete” (Hartzell) Ward, died at Community Health Center in Coldwater, MI, on September 4, 2011. She was a 28-year resident of Colon, MI, having retired and moved from Versailles, OH. She was married to the late, Clarence E. “Shorty” Ward on July 19, 1941, in Arcanum, OH, who died in March, 2003. Preceding her in death were her sons, Gregory Lee Ward, Versailles, OH, and C. Richard Ward, of Fairfield, OH. Surviving her is her son, James W. and wife Sherry (Bigham) Ward of Greenville, OH, and daughter, Gwendolyn Ward, of Lebanon, PA, daughter-in-law, Patricia (Manchess) Ward, of Fairfield, OH. Also surviving are four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
She was born north of Greenville, OH, on January 1, 1923, to Stanley and Bessie (Paul) Hartzell. All her siblings preceded her in death: sisters, Dortha Smith, Thelma Hagaman, and Helen “Rene” Alexander, all of Greenville, and brothers, Kenneth Hartzell of Union City and James Robert Hartzell of Greenville.
Martha spent several years working for the Versailles School District as a bus driver. She was a member of the Versailles United Church of Christ and the Versailles Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. Upon retiring to Colon, MI, she started a new career as a Foot Reflexologist which she practiced until recently.
Martha loved fishing, basket weaving and natural healing work.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Volunteer Fire Department of your choice.
Jim and Sherry Ward, children and grandchildren will receive family and friends at the Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home in Greenville on Thursday evening from 5:00-7:00 P.M. There will be no public service and the remains will be interred at the family’s convenience.
