Joyce Ann Ward, of Crocker, was born on May 29, 1941, at Los Angeles, California a daughter of Merle Elmer and Catherine Winifred (Pederson) Mallon and departed this life at 2:19 p.m., Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at her residence. Mrs. Ward had been in failing health and had attained the age of 78 years, 7 months and 12 days.

Mrs. Ward was united in marriage on April 8, 1960, at Los Angeles, California to Howard Wainwright Ward and to this union, two daughters were born. She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Catherine.

Mrs. Ward was a member of the Roubidoux Springs Congregation Waynesville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and was a fulltime Pioneer for 46 plus years. She had worked as a legal secretary in an attorney's office while living in Los Angeles. Mrs. Ward enjoyed making a variety of cards for special occasion.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. Ward include: her husband, Howard "Wain" Ward, of the home in Crocker; two daughters, Deborah "Debbie" Ward of La Habra, California and Catherine "Cathy" Ward, of Wiley, Texas; one grandson, Jesse Young; one great-granddaughter, Andrea Young; one sister, Lynne Michaelis, Fullerton, California; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held for Mrs. Ward at 2:00 p.m., at the Roubidoux Springs Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Waynesville  with Elder Luis Berrios officiating.