Melissa Ward

Melissa (Missy) Jean Ward, 51, passed away peacefully in her home on February 6, 2026, after her long battle with leiomyosarcoma. She went to be with her Lord and Savior while surrounded by her family. Melissa was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 18, 1974. She graduated from Sylvania Northview HS and Mercy College of Northwest Ohio. She was bound and determined to blaze her own path no matter what.

She married the love of her life, Jonathan J Ward, after the birth of their first child. This is where her adventure became something far more than anyone could have expected. With beauty that put the moon to shame and a personality that burned brighter than any sun, she spent years volunteering and being the glue strongly holding her family together before the Lord called her for even more. Her calling in life was to be a hero and savior to all she came across. With over twenty years in the nursing field, she has done just that. Both in her work and life by being someone that others could turn to. Melissa was someone of genuine kindness and one of the purest souls to live among us.

When she wasn't busy saving lives, she would spend her free time creating memories with family and friends. She was well traveled and diverse in her hobbies. From boating to dancing with the Bavarian Sports Club, to spending a day out with her horses. She enjoyed a glass of wine with those close to her and hiding her favorite candy from the kids to enjoy in private. There were many marathons she ran with her friends and nights at home spent on her swing, watching the sunset in the backyard with her ever watchful oak tree. She was and will always be an inspiration to all who knew her, proving to everyone that sheer willpower and faith can move mountains.

"Embrace the sunrise and sunset. Dance in the room. Live Life. Embrace the weird and enjoy the beautiful. Lift the veil and see the world and thank God every day for the blessings he gives, big or small, but be willing to see them."

Melissa is survived by her husband, Jonathan J Ward; her children, Aaron Ward, Natalie Carrico, and Jonathan Ward; brothers, Jeremy (Tiffani) Koster and Matt (Kerry) Koster with their families, as well as everyone whose life was touched by her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Cathy Koster (Lowe).

Friends and family are invited to visit at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Thursday, February 12, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Erie Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Care360 Hospice.