Leora Ward

Leora “Lee” Faye (Way) Ward left her earthly home on Monday, December 29, 2025 to join her Lord in her heavenly home. She is now resting peacefully in the arms of her Heavenly Father and holding hands with her soulmate, Roy “Toot" Ward Jr. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Matteson Funeral Home in West Salem, Ohio.

She was born in Jeromesville, Ohio on March 30, 1929 to Emma and Elisha Way. She was the youngest of 4 children, 1 boy and 3 girls. As a teenager she met and married her husband, Roy “Toot” Ward Jr. They married on June 30, 1947 and together raised 4 loving children, 3 boys and 1 girl. She saw 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren, the newest being triplets.

At a young age she and her husband and children made their home in Mansfield, Ohio where they joined the Mansfield First Church of the Brethren at 889 Grace Street. They both were active members. She was a member of Women’s Fellowship and later a member of the women’s group called God’s Angels. She continued to support them when she could no longer be active. Everyone knew you could count on Lee to bring/donate money for dinner rolls!

Favorite pastimes included playing cards with her family (which she almost always won), bowling on a mixed doubles league with her husband and of course going out to eat afterwards, bowling on a lady’s league with her daughter and daughters-in-law. She and Toot loved camping which she continued to enjoy many years after he passed away. She even learned to drive and was able to handle the small motor home they enjoyed together! She absolutely loved the cartoon character Tweety Bird. She owned so many stuffed Tweetys, tee shirts, sweatshirts, and pajamas with Tweety’s picture on them. Everyone she knew gave her something with Tweety on it.

She used to tell us that she was the boss of the Ward Clan and don’t you forget it! Whenever someone tried to get her to do something that she didn’t want to do, she would say, “Huh, who died and made you boss?” We can almost see that grin she had that reached her eyes and hear her chuckling as she teased, “I guess I did, now who’s going to take over my job!”

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings, too many relatives to list and a grandson, Bryan Ward. She is survived by her children: Wayne (Paula) Ward, Melvin (Kathe) Ward, Charles “Chuck” (Marsue) Ward, and Emmagean “Geanie” Smith.

There will be a graveside service held at the cemetery in Congress, Ohio for the family. She will be buried beside her husband. The family has chosen to have a Celebration of Life on the Sunday closest to her birthday. This ceremony will be held on March 29, 2026 after worship at the First Church of the Brethren 889 Grace Street, Mansfield, Ohio. Everyone who knew and loved her is invited to attend. There will be a meal in the Fellowship Hall after the service which the family hopes you will be able to stay for. So please come, eat and share stories, love and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to give a small donation to the church in her honor. First Church of the Brethren, 889 Grace Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44905. 

Above all else pray for one another and spread peace, joy and love wherever you go!