Marie Ward, age 93

May 5, 1930 – April 7, 2024

Marie Ward, age 93, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 PM – Sunday, April 7, 2024, at her home.

Private services will be held with interment in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois.  In loving memory of Marie, memorials may be made to the Jasper Post #20 American Legion (Veterans Christmas Fund), and may be mailed to

Jasper Post #20 American Legion, 108 East Jourdan Street, Newton, Illinois 62448.

Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left www.meyerfh.com.

Marie was born on May 5, 1930, on the family farm, north of Newton, Illinois, the daughter of Edwin and Minnie (Phillips) Babbs.  She graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1947.  On June 7, 1947, she was united in marriage to Don Ward, at the Central Christian Church in Newton.   Don preceded her in death on April 26, 2015.

Marie worked at McClane Motors in Newton, for over 40 years.  She was a member of the Central Christian Church.

Marie was an avid golfer and bridge player.

Marie is survived by:

Children – Bruce (Cindy) Ward of Crossville, Tennessee; and Sheryl Dyer (Renee Chevalier) of Springfield, Illinois

Grandchildren – Bert (Andrea Comstock) Ward of Apex, North Carolina; Brody (Jen) Dyer of Cleves, Ohio; and

Stacy (Matt) Burris of Springfield, Illinois

Great Granddaughter – Daisy Marie Dyer

Sister-in-law – Sally Romack of Plainfield, Indiana

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  She was loved by all who knew her.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings John Babbs, Earl Babbs, Jim Babbs, Walter Babbs, Lydia Hemrich, Alice Smith, and Charlene Frazee, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bert and Wanda Ward.