MARITBETH WARD

CARTHAGE- There are no services pending for Maribeth Ward, 82, Carthage, who died at her home on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.

Survivors include one brother, Richard Still and three sisters, Bonibel Wilson, Connie Barclay and husband Cecil and Elizabeth Wilson and husband Bill; two brother-in-laws, Dick Ward and wife Liza and Lee Manley; one sister-in-law, Karen Still; an abundance of nieces and nephews and many close friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, R. Steven “Steve” Ward; her parents and her siblings, Margaret Manley, James “Jr” Still and wife Florence, Mermyl Wyant and husband Jack, Harvey Still and wife Delores, Betty James and husband Ronald, Leland Still and Nancy Still; one brother-in-law, Wayne Wilson and one sister-in-law, Fern Still.

Mrs. Ward was born Aug. 6, 1941, in Jasper County, to James and Esther Nadeane (Stith) Still. She was a 1960 graduate of Jasper High School.

Mrs. Ward, along with her late husband, Steve, owned and operated for many years the very successful Sarcoxie Record and Jasper Newspaper, which later became Ward Printing. Their business was an intricate part of the local community, as well as the Joplin/Carthage area. There were many businesses that benefitted from their printing expertise. They were widely known for printing cookbooks for families, senior project graduations and individuals, business cards, labels, advertising flyers, mailings and so much more.

She was an incredibly creative artist, painting on many tables, chairs, flower pots and other wooden articles and eggs. She loved baking and cooking all sorts of treats which she generously shared with family, friends and neighbors. She loved working in the yard and tending her flowers. She loved playing games with an attitude that it wasn’t about winning, but just enjoying the game and the conversations while she played. She loved watching football, horse racing and golf and sewing.

She never questioned her ability to take on any opportunities that came her way. She was fearless and independent. She had the confidence to accomplish anything she put her mind to.