Evelyn Ruth Ward

Evelyn Ruth Ward, age 91, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Capital Region Medical Center. Evelyn was born on September 16, 1930, in Jefferson City, Mo., daughter of Paul and Virginia (Sachs) Eilenberger. She was married on November 14, 1949, in Harrison, Ark., to William Scott Ward, who preceded her in death on May 14, 2009. Evelyn was a 1948 graduate of Jefferson City High School and always stayed close with her classmates. She was a member of The Girls of '48 Luncheon Club. She was employed with Missouri Employment Security, Department of Revenue, and left employment from Farm Bureau Insurance to become a homemaker for the rest of her life. Evelyn was a member of the First Christian Church in Jefferson City and loved her involvement in the Queen Bees group from years ago. Some of her favorite memories were cooking for family gatherings and when the family was spending time at their condo at the Lake of the Ozarks. She always wanted to conclude all family gatherings by playing cards with her kids or grandchildren. Evelyn always looked forward to a card or domino game and even had a group of friends in her home every week to play dominos. Evelyn is survived by: four children, Tom Ward (Betty) of Russellville, Mo., Ann Ward Robertson of Jefferson City, Mo., Donna Garnett (Donna) of Camdenton, Mo. and David Ward (Pat) of Jefferson City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Brent Ward (Sarah), Chad Ward, Stefani Hardesty (Myron), Jarrett Garnett (Audra), Joshua Robertson (Nikki) and Casey Artunduaga (Andres); six great-grandchildren, Mariah Bostic-Jones, Sierra Robertson, Sydney Robertson, Mirabelle Garnett, Ari Garnett and Julia Wansack; and her dear friends, Rose McMurtry and Shelly Goldner. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, Paul Brown; loving husband of 59 years, Bill; and her 24-year-old cat, Lucky. Per her wishes, a private entombment will be held at the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Animal Shelter, 2308 Hyde Park Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101; Special Olympics, 305 Special Olympics Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or the charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com