By Staff
GOLDSBORO — Ruth Bailey Ward passed away on Monday at her home.
Ruth Hazel was born on the family farm in Martin County to the late Ophus Bailey and Fessie Whitehurst Bailey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, Ben A. Ward. Ruth joined the Rose of Sharon Free Will Baptist Church in Bear Grass at the age of 12 and later became a member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church in Goldsboro.
Ruth will be remembered as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend to so many. She cherished her children and grandchildren and was so proud of each one. Ruth greatly enjoyed her friends. She never met a stranger and touched so many with her warm and friendly ways. Ruth enjoyed spending time at the farm, and with fondest memories her time at Emerald Isle with family and friends. God blessed her with two different worlds, the farm and the beach.
Ruth was a graduate of Bear Grass High School and East Carolina Teachers College. Following a brief career in Wayne County Schools, she was employed with State Farm Agents, Greg Foster and Steve Price, retiring in 2002. Ruth also volunteered for 10 years in the I.C.U. department of Wayne Memorial Hospital.
Graveside services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Ward Family Cemetery (Bear Grass), 9831 Hwy. 17, Williamston. Rev. Gary Bailey and Dolan Baker will officiate.
She is survived by her three sons, Larry Ward and wife Brenda of Bear Grass, Lyn and wife Ashley of Mebane, and Bailey Ward of Bear Grass; and her grandchildren, Lane, Savannah and Olivia. She is also survived by her brother, Maehue Bailey; her nephew, Rev. Gary Bailey and wife Kristie and her niece, Beverly Rogerson and husband Glenn.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Rose of Sharon Free Will Baptist Church, 8000 Bear Grass Road, Robersonville, NC 27871.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6–8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
Paid Obituary