Mildred Dora Ward

Mildred Dora (Kimmel) Ward, 97, quietly passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Voyage Senior Living Facility in Murphysboro, IL. She was born at the family farm in Jackson County on April 27, 1923, to Daniel Logan and Dora Jacquot Kimmel. She married Lavern (Soggy) Ward on July 20, 1942 in Union City, Mo. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage until L.W.’s death in 1991. From this union, they were blessed with three daughters, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Mildred was educated at Brush Creek School, a country school in Somerset Township, Jackson County. She moved into town in her late teens and worked at Sim’s Café as their chief pie baker. It was at Sim’s Cafe where she met her future husband, Lavern Ward. After tasting her pie, he asked who had made the pie and stated he wanted to marry her. After a courtship, they were married in 1942 in Missouri and returned to Murphysboro to live. Mildred held down the home front while her husband was sent overseas during World War II from 1943-46. Mildred was raised as a Lutheran, became a Baptist after her marriage, and later found her church home at Murphysboro United Methodist Church. She had a deep, abiding faith that sustained her throughout her life. She was a devout prayer warrior, a faithful choir member, and was known for all of the cards she sent her friends and family. Mildred loved God and was a good and faithful servant all of her life. She was the true embodiment of a good Christian woman. During her life, Mildred was a member of VFW Women’s Auxiliary, Home Extension, Eastern Star, and the Murphysboro Senior Citizens. She graciously served Murphysboro as the Welcome Wagon Lady greeting newcomers to her hometown. She proudly supported Sallie Logan Library, Murphysboro Food Bank, and General John A. Logan Museum. Mildred was known as an accomplished cook and was especially known for her delicious cherry pies, kept an immaculate home, was a highly skilled seamstress making many of her daughters’ clothes plus clothes for their dolls. She crocheted afghans for all of her grandchildren as well as cross-stitched baby quilts. She had a thirst for knowledge and enriched herself by taking numerous adult education classes. She filled her days reading and in her later years spent many hours enjoying a good mystery. Most of all, she loved her family and instilled in them strong values. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. Mildred is survived by the following family: beloved mother of 3 daughters: Sandra Williams of Murphysboro, Brenda Shadron of Cape Girardeau, and Sharon Jones (Michael) of Murphysboro; and MaMa to 6 grandchildren: Kimberly Roberts (Bill) of Greenville, Texas, Nicole Williams (fiancé Brandon Bilderback) of Carbondale, Alison Koehler of Cape Girardeau, Andrew Shadron (Carmen) of Loveland, Ohio, Robin Sievert (Todd) of St. Louis, Holly Fletcher (Chad) of Herrin; 10 great-grandchildren: Drew and Mallory Roberts, Megan Powell (Blake), Emily Davidson, Jared Koehler, Nathan and Reagan Shadron, Samuel Sievert, Preston and Fiona Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her dear parents, devoted husband, siblings Howard Kimmel, Marie Shepard, Clyde Kimmel, Gladys McLaughlin, and Ardell Kimmel; and one special grandson Stephen Ward Williams. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 12, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery with Pastor Danny Motta officiating. Next year in late spring or early summer when it is safe to gather again, the family will hold a public memorial service to celebrate the life of Mildred Ward. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Sallie Logan Library, or Murphysboro United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Crawshaw Funeral Home.

Mildred Dora Ward

April 27, 1923 - December 6, 2020