Joan L. Ward, 87, formerly of Elkhart, IN passed away peacefully on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Addington Place of East Lake in Florida.

Joan was born on August 3, 1936 in Cassopolis, MI to the late Richard and Dorothy (Pletcher) Morse. She married the love of her life, Ralph Z. Ward, on December 12, 1954, in Goshen. He passed away on December 6, 2015.

She is preceded in death by her son, Gary L. Ward in 1989.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Pamela (Michael) Levesque of Palm Harbor, FL and Jennifer (Michael) Thornton of Tarpon Springs, FL; grandchildren Austin (Monica) Levesque, Tanner and Abigail Thornton; great-granddaughter, Paisley Levesque; brother, Richard Morse of Phoenix, AZ and grand dogs, Cairo, Jasmine, Oakley, Sage, Nibbler, and Boone.

Joan was an avid Notre Dame fan. She loved children. Joan was caring, loved by all and had many friends whom she held close to her heart. She will be greatly missed.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be a private graveside service in Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Suncoast Hospice of Pinellas at https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations2.

For those that wish to send a condolence or share memories may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Suncoast Hospice of Pinellas
5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater FL 33760
Tel: 1-727-523-2441
Web: https://suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations2/