Juanita D Ward

Juanita D. Ward, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff.

Juanita, the daughter of the late Lewel and Alice A. Underwood Darst, was born Jan. 18, 1938 in Everton, Mo. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was a retired Registered Nurse. For many years, she was an instructor for the Licensed Practical Nursing Program as well as the Certified Nurse’s Assistant classes in Poplar Bluff. Juanita enjoyed teaching, sewing, quilting, decorating, entertaining and going to auctions, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

She married Fred P. Ward on March 21, 1959, in Springfield, Mo. He preceded her in death in 2014.

Survivors include her daughter Rebecca Ward of Jefferson City, Mo.; two grandchildren, Rachel Finney of Columbia, Mo. and Samuel Finney of Cleveland, Ohio; and two sisters, Carol Martin of Waccamaw, NC and Judy Darst of Springfield, Mo.

Her son Frederick Ward and two brothers, Rol Darst and William “Bill” Darst also preceded her in death.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Rucker Cemetery in Wayne County, Mo.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Juanita D. Ward.