Mary Naomi Fortenbury Ward, age 80, of Benton, was born in St. Louis, MO, Aug. 5, 1941, died October 18, 2021.

She came to AR in 1946, attended NLR schools, and graduated from NLRHS in 1959.  She attended AR State Teachers College, (now UCA) and UALR.  Her work experience includes substitute teacher for Benton, secretary-bookkeeper First Presbyterian Church and 7 ^th Judicial District Adult Probation Officer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lodema (Crouch) Fortenbury, beloved niece Allison, beloved granddaughter Presly, brother John Fortenbury and 9 infant brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her husband Charles B. "Chuck" Ward, married for 60 - years.

Survivors include two sons and their families:  Jeff and Sandra Ward and children, Dylan and Sydnie; Chris and Stephanie Ward and children Kami and Tyler McDonald, Jackson, Paisley and Landry; Brennan and Anna-Catherine Ward and children Edley and Emmy Ruth; Grayson and Rachelle Ward; Mills and Sarah Ward. Brother James and Becky Fortenbury; Sister Laura Fortenbury Rhea and Sister-in-Law Joyce Fortenbury.

As a teen she was a competition swimmer for the NLR Boy's Club and went to the Jr. Olympics. She taught hundreds of kids to swim and earned the Red Cross Water Safety Instructor badge.  She served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Benton, was a founding member of the Churches Joint Council on Human Needs and active in the Presbytery of Arkansas. She wrote and published a geneology book on the Fortenbury family.  One year for her mission project she made 100 small quilts and donated them to charities; Safe Haven, Benton Services Center and local nursing homes.

Her first love was for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  There were many things in life that she was passionate about:  fishing, camping, beaches, flowers, cooking, sewing, photography, graphic art, charity work and serving others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Churches Joint Council on Human Needs in Benton. Special thanks to Kindred Hospice and Pleasant Hill Care Home in Benton for their excellent care during her final days.

Cremation is by Ashby Funeral Home.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.