Mary Lee Ward (“Jill”), 94, of Lake Ozark, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Rock Island Village Assisted Living in Eldon, Missouri.

Jill was one of three children born to Gerald Evans and Martha Virginia (Lee) Maynard, born October 26, 1930 in Memphis, Tennessee.

On September 10, 1949, Jill was united in marriage to William Harry (“Bill”) Ward in Memphis, TN. They shared over 72 loving years of marriage together at the time of Bill's death. Bill and Jill met on a blind date. Bill was a student at University of Missouri and Jill was a student at Christian College in Columbia. One look at each other, and that was it!

Growing up as a child, Jill graduated from St. Mary's Episcopal Girls School in Memphis, Tennessee. She then left Memphis to attend college in Columbia, Missouri.

As a pre-teen, young Jill came to accept and love Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her faith in and love of Jesus was very strong, and that love sustained her through every season of her life. She was devoted to her church, serving in various capacities. She loved to teach, adults and/or children, and even taught in Vacation Bible School into her 80's. She was a gifted story teller as she shared Biblical stories to children. She was a woman of prayer, and devoted to the reading of Scripture.

Jill was known for her smile, outgoing personality, and energy. She was known to “light up a room” and engage others with genuine warmth. She certainly had the gift of hospitality, often hosting luncheons or dinners in her well-decorated home. And, she maintained a somewhat “busy” lifestyle. She and Bill belonged to a dance club and belonged to other groups as a couple. They took fast-paced walks around the neighborhood, they enjoyed dinners-out with friends, and Jill was a member of at least two bridge clubs. They owned a boat, and she and Bill would take a leisurely cruise when the Lake of the Ozarks waters were calm. Jill was active in an international women's group, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), which gives scholarships, grants and loans to women to further their education. Jill held various offices in local chapters, including president, over her 71 years of membership.

And home was so very important to Jill. She worked hard to make the home a place of love and support and joy for her husband and for her two children. Bill sometimes traveled for his work, and when her husband was away, Jill was sure to maintain discipline in the home (“Just wait until your father gets home!” wasn't her style). But, she was steadfast, always loving and devoted. She will be missed beyond words. She left a lasting legacy.

Jill is survived by her daughter, Cindy Addison (Larry) of Lake Ozark, MO; by her son William H. Ward, Jr. (Mary Alice) of Chesterfield, MO. And by eight grandchildren: Rachel Fuentes (Nathan) of Friendswood, TX; Michael Wright (Erica) of Imperial, MO; Matthew Ward (Courtney) of Chesterfield, MO; Alison Harris (Cody) of Dallas, TX; Daniel Ward (Mary Carolyn) of Dallas, TX; Jeffrey Addison (Brooke) of Lee’s Summit, MO; Jennifer Hernandez of Denver, CO; Julie Ethington (Matthew) of Lakewood, CO. She is also survived by twenty-one great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

Visitation will be Monday, May 5th, at Lake Ozark Christian Church from 1:00 - 2:00 PM with celebration of life service immediately following. Burial will be at Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to the church, and memorial donations may be made to the Lake Ozark Christian Church, or to the Salvation Army, 927 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101, and identify “Lake Ozark Area” in memo line.

Visitation

1:00 to 2:00 PM

Monday, May 5, 2025

Lake Ozark Christian Church

1560 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, 65049

Services

2:00 PM

Monday, May 5, 2025

Lake Ozark Christian Church

1560 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, 65049

Interment

Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery

514 Hwy. 42

Osage Beach, MO 65065

Memorials

Lake Ozark Christian Church, or Salvation Army, 927 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO

65101, and identify “Lake Ozark Area” in memo line.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2090. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.