Susanne Ward

IN MEMORY OF: Susanne Ward Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Susanne Ward, age 81, of Murphysboro, passed away on the 19th of May, 2024 peacefully at her home with her family at her side. She was born September 15, 1942 to Edward Earl and Margaret Russell in Murphysboro. On December 1, 1961, she married William Robert “Bob” Ward. They shared 46 years of making wonderful memories. Susanne was a Christian from an early age and was a founding member of Berean Christian Church in Murphysboro (now United In Faith Christian Church). She chaired the Margaret C. Russell Scholarship at Berean named for her mother. She enjoyed art and painted dozens of works throughout her life. She was very active in her community volunteering at the Murphysboro Food Pantry, St. Francis Animal Care donating several paintings for fundraising. She was also recognized for her volunteer efforts at the Giant City Stables where she guided disabled children on horse rides. She and her husband, Bob traveled all over the US, but her favorite place to visit was the ocean. She walked the beaches from Maine to Florida, the gulf coast to California collecting seashells and memories along the way. Susanne is survived by three sons Steve (Jennifer) Ward, Russell (Shelly) Ward and Jeff (Juanita) Ward; eleven grandchildren Matthew Ward, Keith Ward, Trentin Ward, Camdin Ward, Matt Troop, Zane Ward, Toni Hargis, Justin (Pam) Hargis, Scott (Stephanie) Ward, Emily Ward, and Mitchell (Elizabeth) Ward; great grandchildren Kailey Gee, Jonathon Barham, Bethany Hargis, Emmitt Hargis, Lorelei Ann Schultz, Zoey Skye Troop, Olivia Ward, Ryder Ward and one more on the way. Susanne was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband Bob. She truly got the most out of life, but she also understood that an eternity with her Lord was more valuable than all the laughs and smiles that life, family, and friends provided. She was not only a believer but tried her best to live out her belief. She was driven by her love of God to show that love for others. Funeral Services will be Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro with Minister Jason Frederick officiating. Interment will follow at Tower Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Expressions of love may be directed to United In Faith Christian Church or the Murphysboro Food Pantry and will be accepted at the service.

Susanne Ward

September 15, 1942 - May 19, 2024