Ralph Ward Sr.

Centralia, Kansas - Ralph Benjamin Ward Sr., 94, died Sunday morning, July 8, 2007, at the Onaga Community Hospital in Onaga, KS.

Ralph was born April 19, 1913 in Vermillion the son of George B. Ward and Larry Horton Ward. He attended country school south of Centralia.
On February 7, 1934 in Wilsey, KS Ralph married Irene Frances Harris, she preceded Ralph in death on December 4, 1997. Ralph and Irene farmed and raised their family in the Beckersville and Neuchatel communities for many years.

Ralph was associated with and was an generous supporter of the United Methodist Church in Centralia.

He is survived by two sons, Ralph Ward Jr. and his wife Catherine of Onaga, KS and Kyle E. Ward and wife Barbara of Wakarusa, KS and a daughter Gail E. Elder and her husband, Paul of Havensville, KS; eleven grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, July 12, 2007 at the United Methodist Church in Centralia, KS at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in the Centralia Cemetery. Rev. Deborah Hanes-Nelson will conduct the services. Dirk Colgrove will sing Amamzing Grace and How Great Thou Art with Janelle Glatczak accompanying. Casket bearers are Ralph's grandchildren. A family visitation will be Wednesday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at the Hayes-Popkess Funeral Home in Centralia, KS. Mr. Ward will lie in state all day Wednesday at the Funeral Home. Memorials will be left to the Centralia EMT's, United Methodist Church in Centralia or the Alzheimer's Association and may be sent in care of the Hayes-Popkess Funeral Home in Centralia, KS. Friend my leave condolences at www.popkessmortuaries.com