Rita J. Ward

1941 - 2021

Rita J. Ward
Born: August 20, 1941 in Flanagan, IL
Died: October 19, 2021 in Peoria, IL
Rita J. Ward, 80 of Streator passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Hagi Funeral Home, Streator with Pastor Roger Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 AM Saturday prior to services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Rita was born August 20, 1941 in rural Flanagan, a daughter of Ogle and Thelda R. (Baker) Schell. She married Ron L. Ward on March 22, 1960 in Cairo, IL.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years; three daughters, Linda (Danny) Jarrett of Pontiac, Lisa Stoeger of Toluca, and Lynette Ward of Streator; 9 grandchildren, Shannon Kirk, Ronnie and Ryan Bethard, Jamie Derossett, Jenna and Joshua Long, and Brenton, Johnny, and Macoy Ward; and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Donna (Robert) Arroyo of Streator; and Larry (Nancy) Schell of Streator.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Roy Kenneth Schell, Donald Schell and Roger Schell.
Rita was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Streator.
She worked at various jobs throughout her live but was mainly a homemaker. Her favorite job and one she loved talking about was being a carhop at Dog & Suds in Streator during her high school days.
Rita loved to play Golf, enjoyed making ceramics and was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan.
Hagi Funeral Home
205 High Street
Streator, IL