Laura Lee Ward

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Laura Lee Ward, 76, of New London, passed from this earthly life to her real and eternal home with the Lord. She was born January 14, 1949 in Sigourney, Iowa to Roy and Neta Sarver Snakenberg. On July 26, 1969 she married William Westfall Ward, Jr. in Deep River, Iowa.
She was a graduate of Tri-County High School, Thornburg, Iowa; attended Faith Bible College in Ankeny for two years; and took a short course in caring for baby pigs at the University of Missouri. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Laura was a homemaker and worked as a secretary at Iowa Wesleyan College and as the secretary for the Southeast Iowa Symphony. She taught children's Sunday School for more than twenty years and was a member of Gideon's Auxiliary.
She loved animals, especially horses; music; and going on mission trips; Laura enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and sewed many square dance dresses for Helen's Variety. But most of all, she loved time with her family, her children and grandchildren. Laura had a very sweet and peaceful spirit and showed extreme grace and courage throughout her battle with Alzheimers.
Laura is survived by her husband; daughter Dr. Denise (Roy) Thagard of West Africa; sons William "Bill" (Mindy) W. Ward III of Huxley, Iowa and Steven (Tia) of Nocona, Texas; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Phyllis Peterson, Loretta (Steve) Pope, and Carol (Donald) Ensor; brothers Lyle (Rose) Snakenberg and Dick (Bev) Snakenberg; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Margaret George and Rosemary Stevens; and brother Max Snakenberg.
Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, October 24th at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church, Mt. Pleasant, with Pastor David Strope officiating. According to her wishes, her body will be cremated following the service and inurnment will be at a later date.
Memorials have been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice and EveryStep Hospice. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Laura's family would like to thank the many people who stayed with Laura Lee, the ones who provided food, those who visited, those who prayed; and thank you to the God who watches over us. Many thanks to the wonderful care received from Care at Home, EveryStep Hospice, Henry County Health, Des Moines County Health and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.