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Marcella Ward Obituary
Marcella was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa the daughter of Fred and Sarah Frye. She was a 1946 graduate of Roosevelt High School and a William Penn College graduate. She received her Master's degree from Drake University and her PhD from the University of Iowa. She married Bill Ward on April 10, 1949 in Des Moines and they moved to University Park in 1955. Marcella was an English professor at William Penn College for 30 years and had also served as the Drama Department Director. She enjoyed traveling, including trips to Korea and Europe.
Marcella is survived by her husband, Bill; two sons, Jim (Sue) Ward of Oskaloosa and Jon (Laura) Ward of Ankeny; six grandchildren, Alex, Nick, Nathan, Sam, Sally and Steve; daughter-in-law, Wanda Ward of Des Moines; and brother, Fred (Peggy) Frye, Jr. of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeff Ward.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to Bethel AME Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marcella Ward
4 Entries
Lawrence J Coulthurst
November 27, 2021
I was just thinking about Dr. Ward. Remembering a course I took at William Penn. She was remarkable. Advanced Writing was the course. What a kind woman and she has always had a spot in my heart. Her memory lives on in many of her old students. Much love to her family.
Rich Clewell
January 3, 2011
Where does time go...I still imagined your mom as a young mother who as an adult, amazed me because of her appreciation of The Doors. My condolences on your loss.
Kathy Job Larsen
January 3, 2011
I am so sorry to read about Marcella. She was a wonderful woman. I enjoyed talking with her the one day I took care of her in the hospital. She is to be celebrated.
Kathy Job Larsen
Tony Toigo
January 3, 2011
Although I was a business major, the "Advanced Writing" class I had with Mrs. Ward was my favorite course at Penn. It was something I always looked forward to. Wm. Penn~1974
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