Ruth Mildred (Cooley) Ward

Ruth Mildred Cooley Ward left this world for her heavenly life on December 28, 2014. During her last years, she fought a valient fight against the darkness that eventually engulfed her, and despite this challenge, her sweet spirit always thought of her children first. She was a Phenomenal Woman, and all that knew her have been touched by her faith in the possible and the blessings of the Lord. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Ward attended Columbus Public Schools including Mound Jr. High, East High, and Central High School. She attended Columbus Technical Institute (now Columbus State Community College) and had a lifelong love for reading, French language, gardening, and sewing. She was an accomplished cook, crochet crafter, and a special sweet soul. She was employed by Doctor’s Hospital for 42 years as a Certified Operating Room Technician and Nurse, and she genuinely loved her job and the people she met. Miss Ruth, as she was affectionately called by colleagues, patients, and friends, loved to travel and visited much of the United States, Europe, Canada, Greenland, and the Caribbean. She adored her family. After the death of her husband, she raised three children as a single mother, and often spoke of her pride in the blessings and accomplishments of her children. She found some of her greatest joy in watching, playing, and teaching her grandchildren and great grandchildren the many wonders of life, including selecting a great hat and enjoying a good movie. Mrs. Ward was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Ward, Sr., her mother, the original Phenomenal Woman Ella Mae; father Albert Cooley; brothers, Albert Cooley, Jr. and Lou Davison; brothers-in-law, Claude Cheeks, Bennie Caldwell, Lacy B. Ward, and Big Bro Eugene Ward; sister-in-law, Ella March; and dear friend, Aunt Ruby Gilliam. Those left to mourn “Miss Ruth” include her beloved daughter and best friend, Deborah Ward (Eric) Beard; two cherished and respected sons, Fred Jr. (Candy) and Victor (Sherry) Ward; much loved grandchildren, Angela (Sean) Clarke, Alison Dillion, Mitchell (Allissa) Ward, Meredith Ward, Matthew Beard and Mackenzie Ruth Beard; three great grandchildren, two beloved sisters, Claudette Cheeks and Rebecca Caldwell; beloved brother-in-law, Leon Howard; sister-in-law, Carolyn Davison; special cousin, Charles MacDonald; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. The Ward children also acknowledge special friends, Jim and Becky Thompson, Carol Melvin, Delores Carney, Dina Bircher, Mildred Davenport, and the entire Doctor's Hospital family who have shown unconditional love and support for our mother throughout various times in her life.