Esther Louise Ward

Esther L. Ward, 95, of Waukon, IA, died Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Family graveside services will be held in Oakland Cemetery in Waukon with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Esther Louise Ward was born September 14, 1924, in Brookfield, MO, the daughter of Homer and Elizabeth (Libby) Ross. She attended schools in the Brookfield area and worked at Brown's Shoe Factory. On July 5, 1947, she married Billy Ward in Brookfield. They started out farming in Missouri before moving to McGregor, IA, in 1958, and then to Waukon in 1973.

When her children were younger, she was a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout leader. Esther enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, sewing, and working in her flower gardens.

Survivors include her children: Janet Slaughter of Dolan Springs, AZ, and Jerry (Sandra) Ward and Steve (Margaret) Ward, both of Waukon; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Billy, who died in 2001; a son-in-law Scott "Butch" Slaughter; five sisters: Frances Turner, Edna Brill, Agnes Caldwell, Mary Jacobs, and Helen Curtis; and four brothers: Charles, Herbert, Virgil, and Harley Ross.