Jodell Ward

Jodell was born to Lester E. Beaty and Marguerite W. Beaty in Kansas City, Missouri on August 13, 1933. She was the oldest of six children; she attended school including high school graduating from Kansas City Bible School and College in Overland Park, Kansas. She married Merle E. Ward on October 5, 1957, in Kansas City and they became parents of four children Judy, Roger, Cynthia, and Roberta. They were married 52 years. 

Jodell was a homemaker for many years of her life and was also employed by Hallmark Cards, the U.S. Census Bureau in payroll and in her later years as a paraprofessional in the transportation of disabled children. Jodell also loved singing and attending gospel music concerts. Her favorite pastime was collecting music from gospel music performers and attending concerts where she would enthusiastically sing along. Her favorites were The Gaither’s, The Booth Brothers, Cathedrals and the Statler Brothers. She was never happier than when she was attending those concerts. She was a great gardener and cook. Her family especially loved her fried potatoes and apple dumplings. 

She was devout Christian and lifelong member of New Hope Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School. Jodell was also a gifted musician who enjoyed singing in the church choir and playing piano or organ for church service at various locations across Missouri. Jodell traveled to the mission field in the Philippines. Her travels included Alaska, Hawaii, Branson and many other places across the United States.  

Jodell was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merle Ward; sisters, Sharon Beaty Timme and Marguerite Busby; and son-in-law, Kim Finley. 

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Finley of Kansas City; son, Roger Ward of North Kansas City; daughter, Cynthia Porter and husband James of Kansas City; and daughter, Roberta Sullivan and husband David of Kansas City. Six grandchildren; Ryan, Ben, Emma, Brittany, Dawn, and Marcus; four great-grandchildren, Tux, Molly, Maggie, and Matthew. She was also survived by her brothers, Gene (Sharon Kay) Beaty, Wayne Beaty, Jimmy (Connie) Beaty. She leaves behind brother-in-law, William “Dub” Harold Ward and wife Helen; sister-in-law, Verna Drennan; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Jodell's love for her family was evident in her sacrificial giving of her time and energy in taking care of her children and grandchildren. She supported them with wonderfully cooked meals, attending school activities, church activities and her prayers, especially during the hard days of life. She had many dear friends from her church and community. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Jodell's name to the Shelter KC rescue mission in Kansas City. The family wishes to send their special thanks to the wonderful caregivers who came to the home - Barbara Martin and Ruth Ann Corrigan- the Wexford Memory Care Center, Tiffany Springs Rehab, and Ascend Hospice. 

Visitation will be Monday June 5, 2023, from 12:00 PM until time of service at 1:00 PM at Terrace Park Funeral Home 801 NW 108th St. (Shoal Creek Pkwy) Kansas City MO 64155. Interment will follow the service in Terrace Park Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her husband.