Vera Arlene (Smith) Ward, 90, of Marion, died peacefully on September 17, 2026, at Colonial Oaks Health & Rehabilitation. She passed away with family surrounding her and while holding the hand of her husband of 69 years. Vera was born on July 18, 1936, in Jonesboro, IN, to Russell and Hester (Tinder) Smith. Vera married Robert “Bob” Ward on December 29, 1956, and he survives.
Vera grew up in southern Grant County with three older brothers (Milford, Paul, and Herbert) and one younger sister (Ruth Ann). She graduated from Fairmount High School in 1954 and attended classes at Marion College afterwards. Vera soon met Bob, of Evansville, IN. The two married in Grant County and had two children, David and Diane.
Vera was always cooking in the kitchen for anyone who was in her home, and anyone she thought may be in her home that day. It wasn’t uncommon for a guest to arrive in her home, and within minutes, she’d be handing her guest a plate of food and something to drink. Outside of the home, Vera worked for World Gospel Mission in the financial department in the 1960s. She also spent nearly 30 years at Marion General Hospital.
Coming from a long line of faithful Christians, and even one circuit preacher, Vera was constantly reading her Bible, praying, and attending and volunteering at church. She and her husband were members of Brookhaven Wesleyan Church for decades. If she knew someone and loved them, that person was being prayed for. Notes throughout her Bible show names of her family and friends she was praying for, written in the margins. Her relationship with Jesus caused her to deeply care for and love everyone nearby: her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. She and Bob were also incredibly generous with their money, constantly giving it away to causes they cared about.
Vera clung to the goodness of God, even in the hardest of times. One of her favorite verses was Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (NIV).” And trust in God she did.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 69 years; her children: David (Gina) Ward of Dayton, OH, and Diane (Michael) Owen of Marion; her grandchildren: Jennifer Ward of Vandalia, OH, Janel Ward of Huber Heights OH, Caleb Ward of Cincinnati, OH, Ross (Christie) Owen of Delaware, OH, Keaton (Siri) Owen of Lake Oswego, OR, and Connor (Stormie) Owen of Marion; great-grandchildren: Samuel Owen, Harrison Owen, Silas Owen, Lenora Owen, and Selah Owen; along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Vera’s life will begin at 12:00 p.m. with her Pastor Joel Gearhart officiating. Burial will take place at Gardens of Memory in Marion.
Vera was passionate about global missions and others around the world knowing Jesus. In lieu of flowers, gifts may sent to World Gospel Mission PO Box 948, Marion, IN 46952 or Global Partners 13300 Olio Rd., Fishers, IN 46037.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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