Obituary: Janice Ann “Jan” Ward

Janice Ann “Jan” Ward, 83, a resident of Ashland, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, November 17, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Jan was born on January 16, 1940, in Champagne, Illinois, the daughter of Jack Quinlan and Dorothy Edwards Quinlan. On August 8, 1964, in St. Louis, she was united in marriage to the love of her life Richard “Rich” Ward, and he survives.

Jan was devoted to her family and because of this love she loved cooking and entertaining her family. When she did take time for herself, she enjoyed line dancing, playing bridge or gardening. She loved a good mall or store and enjoyed her many shopping trips with her daughter. She was a very fashionable person always keeping up with the current fashion trends. She had a love for all kinds of music, songbirds, and a special love for flowers, with calla lilies and carnations being her favorite.

She will be sadly missed and forever remembered by her husband Rich; two children, Carrie Mertensmeyer and husband Roger of Hartsburg, Kevin Ward and Christy Sevart of Holts Summit; six grandchildren, Alexis Jose and husband John, Andrew Henson and wife Melissa, Wyatt Ward and wife Jessica, Whitney Carey and husband Pat, Alexis Mertensmeyer, and Logan Mertensmeyer; six great grandchildren, Rua Jose, Adaline Henson, MacKenzie Goodbrake, Brantley Ward, Gunner Carey, and Hunter Carey; one brother, Chris Quinlan and wife Pat of St. Louis; one sister, Linda Gilliland of Akron, Ohio.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Robinson-Yager Funeral Home in Ashland Missouri, with Pastor Cathy Atkins officiating. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ashland Senior Center or Ashland Garden Club, c/o Robinson-Yager Funeral Home, PO Box 68, Ashland, MO 65010.

Robinson-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ward Family.