Anne M. Ward

Anne Margaret Ward, 88, of Manley Road, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at her home with her son by her side.

Born on December 29, 1931, in New Castle, PA, Anne was the daughter of Herbert George and Leota Mae (Schuler) Horton. She was raised in Keuka Park, NY, and graduated from Penn Yan Academy. Anne went on to study at Keuka College. She later earned her LPN certificate from the BOCES Norwich campus.

On December 29, 1950, she married Robert B. Ward. Together, they would have and raise nine children and eventually make their way to Norwich. Robert died on August 14, 1997. On October 10, 1998, in Norwich, Anne married John DeWitt “Zeke” Ward. Zeke died on October 11, 2012.

She was awarded the Silver Beaver and Distinguished Commissioner awards, and earned her Wood Badge from the Boy Scouts of America. Anne was the daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother of eleven Eagle Scouts. Her only daughter, Edie, also earned the First Class Award in Girl Scouts. Anne was very active as a leader in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, and was a trainer for other scouting leaders as well as being a merit badge counselor. She was a certified Chaplain in scouts. Anne helped create the national Tiger Cubs program at the Philmont Training Center. As a daughter of a founder, she was very active as a speaker for the Scouting service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. She traveled throughout the country promoting leadership, friendship, and service to college-age youth. Anne made an impact on literally thousands of others around the globe through her scouting and APO lessons. She was well-known for her caring, encouraging lessons and speeches.

Anne loved to travel, visit vineyards, and had an innate desire to learn about anything and everything. She enjoyed spontaneous trips, and would occasionally "disappear" to see the sites in the region. The sound of natural bagpipes was one of her favorite types of music. As a founder of the Thistledown Handspinners Guild, Anne could often be found at shows and fairs spinning and weaving wool and teaching others the craft. Musically gifted, she played multiple instruments, sang, and was a private piano teacher to many students throughout the years.

Mrs. Ward was predeceased by her parents, Herbert G. and Leota M. Horton, her brother and sister, George and Natalie, her husbands, Robert B. and John "Zeke" Ward, a son Joseph, and two daughters-in-law, Elise (Tiffany) Ward and Peggy (Perona) Ward. Her first husband, Bob, was well-known in the region as an artist, teacher, scout leader, and president of the Chenango County Historical Society.

Anne is survived by her children: Timothy of Norwich, Matthew (Gilda) of Mt. Upton, Robert K. of Long Beach WA, Edith (James) Ward-Cleaver of Belton TX, Jonathan of Norwich, David (Marlys) of Scio OH, Stephen (Cindy) of Cle Elum WA, and Daniel of Canandaigua. She was also the very proud, doting grandmother of 18, and great-grandmother of 15. Her always-smiling nature and optimism will surely be missed by all.

A memorial service for Anne will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will take place at Foster Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Contributions in Anne’s memory may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Calvary Drive, Norwich, NY 13815. Arrangements were entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com