Elizabeth J. Ward, 92, of Elkhart, died Saturday, February 18, 2017 at home. Elizabeth was born on August 11, 1924 in Chicago to Julius and Edna (Denst) Gericke. On May 23, 1945, she married Richard C. Ward. He preceded her in death.

Elizabeth is survived by daughters, Janet (Dave) Krauser, Elkhart, Carol Trovatore, Elkhart, Judy Ward, Tulsa, OK, Barbara Wise, Elkhart, and Jo (Dave) Ward-Selman, Goshen; son, Theodore "Ted" Ward, Elkhart; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Phyllis Thomas, Leesburg, FL. Elizabeth was preceded in death by brothers, Robert, Peter, and James Gericke, 2 granddaughters, 3 great-granddaughters, and 1 great-grandson.

Elizabeth was a home economics teacher in Gary from 1945 until 1952. In 1962 she began employment with her husband at R.C. Ward Insurance Agency. In 1977, Elizabeth became the owner of the business, specializing as an insurance agent. She also was employed part-time in finance and bail bonds. Elizabeth had an innate ability to make her family feel special and loved. She was a member of the catholic faith.

Friends may call from 10 am until the 11 am service, Friday, February 24, 2017 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home with Father Robert Van Kempen officiating. Burial will follow in Rice Cemetery.