Jay H. Ward

Jay Henry Ward passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 after a battle with cancer. He was born in Cleveland Ohio on December 3, 1945 to parents Jay and Annabelle Ward (nee Russell). Jay is survived by daughters: Melissa Pilarsh, Ruth Heider (Scott) and Jayne Woods (Joel); grandchildren Joshua Neville (Bell), Kaitlyn Sublette (John), Allison Heider, Hannah Torres, Grace Heider, Cassandra Heider, Daylyn Woods, Abigail Heider, Alexis Heider, Hazel Woods and Mabel Woods. As well as a great-grandson, Miguel Torres.

Jay joined the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served and retired after a twenty year career. Following his military service, he worked in administration for DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Services). Most recently Jay enjoyed meeting with other retirees, some being veterans, for a coffee group in his retirement community. Jay was a dedicated veteran that proudly served in Vietnam. His service to our country was something he was proud of and thankful for having the opportunity to do so.

He met his wife Sandy as a teenager at Madison Avenue Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH and they were married there on June 4, 1966. Jay enjoyed sharing his love for camping and the outdoors with his wife, children, and grandchildren through many family camping trips. His favorite places to camp throughout the years were the Gatlinburg Tennessee area, upstate New York, Mohican State Park, and the Amish country area. Many family memories were made while spending summer vacations camping.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents Jay and Annabelle Ward, his wife of 43 years Sandra Lee Ward (nee Thomas) and siblings Lillian Conley, Kenneth Ward and Dianna Lammel.

Per Jay's wishes the family will have a private graveside service.

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