Margaret A. Ward

Margaret Ann (Owen) Ward passed away Sunday, November 13, after a three-year stint with lung cancer and a week long celebration of her 81st birthday. Margie (pronounced with a hard 'g') was born in Massillon, Ohio, on November 7, 1930. The daughter and first child of Robert Herbert and Helen (Williams) Owen, Margie was one of those people who makes a lasting impression. First, she was incredibly beautiful. During her high school and college years, she could have passed for Elizabeth Taylor. Even near the end of her life, when she was living in the Canton Christian Home, the staff would frequently tell her how beautiful she was-because she truly was, inside and out. She was also quite headstrong. There was no arguing with Margie about how things should be done. In her early years, this characteristic could be exasperating. In her later years, when she was experiencing those special challenges that only cancer can bring, it was downright admirable. Margie spent her formative years in Oakwood, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton, and a town that she loved. That's where she learned to appreciate cashmere sweaters and other fineries and where she'd ride the bus to Rikes, her favorite department store, for a day of shopping. It was also where she forged strong friendships that have lasted to this day. During her senior year of high school, Helen, Herb, Margie, and Margie's brother Bob pulled up roots and moved from preppy Oakwood to the more rural Newman, Ohio, which, at the time, was traumatic for Margie. But she soon made fast friends and memories at Massillon High School, and in the ensuing years, the rolling green hills of Newman became every bit a part of her as Dayton was. Margie graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in speech and hearing at a time when it was still a budding field. There, she met her husband, Kendall K. Ward, a wonderfully fun and accomplished man she would be married to for 55 years, until his passing in 2008. She worked as a speech therapist for Plain Local Schools, helping correct lisps and dropped 'L's and 'R's until 1982, when she retired to become a full-time mother, grandmother, and helpmate to Ken, the associate dean at Kent State Stark campus. Some of her other passions were the Lake Cable Garden Club, College Club, Spring Hill Farm, and Christ Presbyterian Church food ministry. Margie is survived by those who will cherish her memory and strive to follow her example, including: brother Dr. Robert H. Owen and family; sister-in-law Peggy Ward and family; daughters Suzie (Jim) Thomas and Jenny (Dennis) Wenger, and son David; two grandsons, Seth (Heather) Thomas and Jake (Erin) Thomas; and grandpets Curly (pug) and Herbie (cat). The family wishes to express its deep gratitude to the outstanding staff members of the Aultman Cancer Center and Canton Christian Home. Donations in her honor can be made to the Canton Christian Home and the Christ Presbyterian Church food ministry. A service to celebrate Margie Ward's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, at Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton with Rev. David de Vries officiating. Friends may call one hour prior in the church parlor. Interment will occur later that day at Newman Cemetery.