Bonnie "Maroon" Ward

Bonnie Jean (Maroon) Ward, age 93, of Centralia, Illinois passed away on Monday, January 5th, 2026, with her loving family by her side. She was born on October 29, 1932, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of John Calvin Maroon and Selma (Bierman) Maroon. Bonnie worked at the Centralia Evening Sentinel, where she met the love of her life, LeRoy Ward. They started dating in February of 1951, engaged in April of 1951, and they were married on August 4, 1951, at the First Apostolic Church in Centralia, Illinois. Bonnie and LeRoy were married for 70 years.

Bonnie is survived by her son Brent Ward and wife Robin of Centralia, IL: daughter, Lori Demijan of O'Fallon, IL: grandchildren, Brooks Demijan and wife Christine, Bailey Hargis and husband TC, Cameron Ward and wife Chelsea, and Cassidy Moss and wife Chelsey; great-grandchildren, Brynn Demijan, Trey Demijan, Annie Hargis, Lee Hargis, Easton Ward, Austin Ward, Weslynn Moss and Hannah Moss; sister Barbra Hargis and husband Don Hargis; nieces Tammy Collinsworth and Rhonda Hendricks.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her loving husband, LeRoy Ward, her parents John and Selma Marroon, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Lucy Ward and Addie Ward; brothers Johnny Dale and Billy John Maroon and nephew Jonathon Hargis.

Bonnie began her career as a typist at the Centralia Sentinel in 1950. She later became the lifestyle editor and retired after being employed with the Sentinel for 42 years. She enjoyed covering community events where she met many of her lifelong friends. She had her own column in the paper called "Cooking With Bonnie" where she shared recipes and cooking tips which she also shared personally with her family. This special cooking column would include personal stories about her life's adventures and trials allowing her to share her life with others. Bonnie had a passion for playing the organ and was the church organist for over 25 years and played for the Irvin Swango Funeral Home from 1955-1995.

Bonnie loved spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and friends. She was best known to them as "Gammy." She was a snowbird and loved spending her winters in Melbourne Beach, Florida. She was a member of the First Apostolic Church in Centralia, Illinois where she was baptized at 9 years old. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Nu Master Sorority and was named BPW Woman of the Year in 1989. She and her husband were active members of the Outdoor Resort's Community at their home in Florida. They planned dinners and various parties throughout their time living there. They were proud to initiate an Annual Memorial Service to honor all former Outdoor Resort residents which continues to be a special event for the community. You could always find Bonnie on Monday morning at Hardees and on Wednesday morning at Bonnies Cafe with her lifetime friends. Bonnie had a special bond with her amazing neighbors, Karen and Tom Walsh, and she was forever grateful for the friendship they shared.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Bonnie Ward will be held at 12:30 P.M. on Saturday January 10th at the First Apostolic Church in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Jonathan Urshan officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Friends may visit with Bonnie's family from 10:00 A.M. until the time of her services at 12:30 P.M. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Bonnie's honor to the First Apostolic Church in Centralia, Illinois. Online condolences and memories of Bonnie may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home is privileged to assist with Bonnie's service.