Janet Mae Ward, 87, of Ottumwa, died at 6:35 p.m. October 9, 2020 at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. She was born February 8, 1933 in Oak Park, IL to Francis Edward and Estelle Black Tillotson. She married Eli E. Ward January 5, 1963. A graduate of Ottumwa High School, she attended Iowa Success School. She worked for Kiple and DePrenger Furniture Co., but most importantly was a homemaker. She was a member of Church of Christ. Surviving is her husband, Eli; their children, Jennie (Malvin) Johnson of Johnston, Molly Coltrain of Ames, Burley Ward of Gladstone, MO, Graham Ward of Ottumwa, Cedric Ward of Lena, WI, Norman (Connie) Ward of Ottumwa and Reggie Ward of Albia; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; a sister, Annette (Bob) Collins of Ottumwa; a half-brother, Edward (Nikki) Tillotson of Columbus, NC; a sister-in-law, Donna Tillotson of Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law, Scott Coltrain; a daughter-in-law, Carrie Ward; and a brother, Donald Tillotson. Limited open visitation for friends will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 13th at Reece Funeral Home. Private funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 14th at Reece Funeral Home with Clark Carlo officiating. For those not able to attend the service, you may watch the service live from the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Public graveside services and burial will follow at Shaul Cemetery.