Lucrecia “Lou” Runyan Ward, 94 of Ravenden, formally of Hoxie, passed away August 28, 2022, in the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.
Born February 3, 1928, in Mobley, Arkansas, daughter of the late John Henry and Wretha James Runyan. Lou was united in marriage to J.O. Ward on February 19, 1949. Lucrecia Runyan Ward was known by many names. Including, daughter, wife, sister, aunt, mother, Granny Lou, and Grandma. All titles she wore well. She had 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren that she loved very much. Lou’s favorite thing in the entire world was to spend time with her family. Her children and grandchildren have many memories of spending time with her and her husband J.O. at their home in Hoxie. She was a woman of God and loved when her family would accompany her to church.
Lou was a caretaker by trade. She spent her life caring for and putting others first. Many Have had the fortune of enjoying her great cooking. She always made the best, biggest breakfast. Many nights were spent talking, laughing, and sharing stories in her living room with Country Music Television playing in the background. She loved the simple things that turned out to be the biggest things in life. Lou was kind and caring. To know her was to love her. One of the most admirable things about Lou was her strength. She overcame so many obstacles in her life, especially in the last few years. Still, she remained steadfast and faithful in the Lord.
Lou Runyan Ward was a woman unlike any other. She was one of the strongest and kindest souls you would ever meet. She had the purest heart and a gentle spirit. She was a sacrificing, selfless woman, and loved with her whole heart. She will be missed by so many. She left behind a legacy in her children and grandchildren. Her soul is at rest and in peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is now reunited with her loved ones in Heaven that have gone before her.
She is preceded by her parents; her husband, J.O. Ward in 2009; one daughter, Dorothy Louise Runyan; three sons, Billy, Johnny and W.D. Ward; two brothers, William and Boyd Runyan; one sister, Nada Kirk; and one sister-n-law, Willa Mae Runyan.
Survivors include six children, Anna Rice (Bill) of Ravenden, James Ward (Diana) of Williford, Linda Church of Walnut Ridge, Betty Hunt (Roger) of Savannah, TN, Michael Ward (Inez) of Williford, and Tracy Wallace (Brian) of Atoka, TN; nineteen grandchildren; forty-seven great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; two sisters, Willie Jean Turner of Evening Shade and Phyllis Varner of Cave City; many nieces and nephews; several other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will Wednesday August 31, 2022, at 2 P.M. in the Bryan Chapel with Bro. Jackie Pickett officiating. Pallbearers will be James Ward, Michael Ward, James A. Ward, Billy Rice, Brian Rice, Daniel Ward, Michael Ward Jr., and Joe Ward. Interment will follow in the Lawrence Memorial Park.
Visitation from 1 P.M. till 2 P.M. Wednesday.
