In loving memory of

Linda Ward
March 27, 1944 - November 28, 2017

Linda Ward, 73, of Maquoketa, Iowa passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 28, 2017.

A private service will be held by her immediate family.

Linda was born on March 27, 1944 to Henry and Elfrieda (Will) Feuss in Lost Nation, Iowa. She was the 7th of 11 children. She attended Lost Nation High School and graduated in 1962. She married her first love, Richard Ward, on September 9, 1962 and moved to Monmouth, Iowa. She was a farm wife and homemaker and they were soon blessed with four children over the next 8 years. Roger (Anna) of Indio, CA; Sharon (Loren) Ditch of Branson, MO; Dennis of Ventura, CA; and Tammy (Eric) Brooks of Manchester, Iowa.

They moved to Wyoming , Iowa where they owned and operated a dairy farm and Linda worked at the Jackson County Public Hospital. In 1978 they settled in Maquoketa and opened Wa-Ka Restaurant, which she managed for eight years. When their children were grown, Linda became active in flower gardening, bird watching, and RV travel. She also worked as a cashier at Wal-Mart in Maquoketa.

Linda was given the title of Grandma to: Elizabeth, Gabriel, Devin, Addison, Mackenzie, Aaron, Kobe and Michael. She enjoyed spending time with them and teaching them to sew, cook, and enjoy nature. She enjoyed watching their activities, zip lining, water tubing, paint balling and eating homemade ice cream. Linda enjoyed her summers at Table Rock Lake as the families gathered for their vacations. She enjoyed traveling south for the winters and playing Dominoes with her fellow RV travelers. When Linda wasn't traveling, she was a volunteer with Jackson County Hospice and Master Gardeners.

Linda is remembered as having a kind and generous heart with a love for life. If she touched your life, she touched your heart.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

The family requests memorial contributions be directed to Jackson County Hospice in her honor.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.carsonandson.com.

Tributes

Corby Miller wrote on Dec 5, 2017:

"To Dennis and the entire Ward family you have my sympathy for the loss of Linda. "

Penny Nuti (Cleary) (Bennett) wrote on Dec 3, 2017:

"Prayers during this difficult/sad time to the entire family. "

Jessica Flanery wrote on Dec 1, 2017:

"To the entire Ward and Feuss Families, I'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Linda! She was a very kind, good hearted & gracious person that taught me many many valuable lessons while I worked at WA-KA. Just to name a few, I believe I'm more caring, I always smile at people wether I know them or not & I'm very thorough when hand washing dishes:) The restaurant was a huge part of my life and I feel I'm a better person today because she not only hired me, but she instilled upon me many lifelong practices. She will be greatly missed! With deepest Sympathy and much love, Jessica Flagel/Flanery"

Sue (Bickford) DeMoss wrote on Dec 1, 2017:

"Sharon and family- so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You have my sympathy and prayers at this difficult time. I went to school with Sharon and stayed overnight when we were young. I remember thinking your mom was so pretty... I also remember her giving me" cows" milk with our cereal. Another memory is your dad taking us to the movies in Maquoketa. That was the first and only time I ever rode in a squad car. Thinking of you and your family- God Bless. Sue (Bickford) DeMoss"

Janet Becker Swiston wrote on Nov 30, 2017:

"Condolences at this sad time for your family. Linda & I were classmates at Lost Nation School. She lived just up the road from me. I remember her smile and her quiet helpfulness. May your happy memories of her sustain you at this difficult time. God's blessings. Janet Becker Swiston"

LeeAnn Reiss wrote on Nov 30, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. Thinking of the entire family. Jon and LeeAnn Reiss Al and Charlotte McCloy"

Harry Shady, Audra Martin wrote on Nov 30, 2017:

"R.I.P.- Linda !! & So Sorry Dick !! Linda - A BEAUTIFUL Lady In& Out !! "

Dave and Elaine Luett wrote on Nov 30, 2017:

"Dick and family, You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Her life ended too soon but she is at peace now as all of us who loved her as a friend will not forget how she touched our lives. Linda offered her help in our home when I had a farm accident some years ago and could accomplish so much in a short time. She was such a hard worker and helped others in so many ways through the years. We are blessed with many memories and thankful our paths met in life."

Karen Otto wrote on Nov 30, 2017:

"My heart goes out to all of you. Linda was sweet and kind to everyone. I am sure she left you with many good memories of her. Remember the good times to help your through these trying times."

Sandra Utley wrote on Nov 30, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. Worked with Linda at Walmart."

Stephanie Sagers wrote on Nov 30, 2017:

"So sorry to hear of Linda's passing. She was such a kind person. Always a smile when I saw her. "

Lou Behrend wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"We are so sorry to hear of Linda's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lou & Carla Behrend"

Rita Ledford wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"Sorry to hear about Linda the family has my prayers "

bettylou411@yahoo.com wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"Dick, I am so sorry to hear the passing of this wonderful gal. May God hold you and your family close during your time of sorrow. Peace and love to you my friend. "

Connie Bonney wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"To Dick and the family- What a wonderful person Linda was, from her laugh to her smile, the sunshine just seem to glow around her...Please know i am thinking of you all in this very hard time, but lots of good memories she left us with...God is getting a beautiful angel for sure,"

Patti. Ditch wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful lady. May God shower you with strength during these passing days. "

Stacie Steffen wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"I graduated with Tammy and remember many sleep overs at their house. I then worked at Sunshine with Linda. She was a truly amazing woman and will be missed by many. "

Vicki Bickford wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"Linda and I worked together in the kitchen at Sunshine daycare and preschool. She was always fun loving and happy go lucky.. She will truly be missed!"

Dawn Merrick Heiser wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"I was a classmate and friend of Linda's, she was one of the sweetest and caring people I've ever known. We had so much fun when she helped me move to Marion, she was such a hard worker. God has really gained an angel, no improvement necessary. You are and have been in my thoughts and prayers."

Carmelita Schneider wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"I was a classmate of Linda's and saw her from time to time after high school. She never had an unkind word to say and always had a beautiful smile on her face. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul! Carm"

Mary Hudrlik wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"Dick and family, ww ate so very sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for you all at this difficult time. Marty and Mary Hudrlik and family. "

LeAnn & Dick McCallister wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"Dick and family, we are so sorry to hear that Linda passed away. Such a sweet, kindhearted person she was. Rest in peace Linda. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Joy Winger wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"Dick and family, so sorry to hear of Linda's passing. Bob and I really enjoyed spending time with you guys and camping at the Slabs."