Dorothy L. (Mcgraw) Ward

Dorothy Laura Ward (nee McGraw), 97, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2015. Always an Ohio resident, Dorothy was born in Warren, Ohio, on July 28, 1917. She lived in Youngstown until 1953 when she moved to Tallmadge and then in 1969 moved to Stow. She spent the last 3 years of her life at Falls Village Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.

It was in Youngstown where she met and married Ralph E. Ward. After 66 years of marriage Ralph passed away and was dearly missed by Dorothy. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family and will be greatly missed by all.

Dorothy was a long-time member of the Tallmadge United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and belonged to many church organizations as well as a weekly game night group. She also enjoyed crocheting hats for the booth she ran at the yearly church bazaar.

Dorothy was also an active member of the Woman's Board to the Summit County Juvenile Court where she made many friends and enjoyed serving on various committees. She also received several awards as an Avon Representative, and loved watching Indians' games whenever possible. Throughout her life, Dorothy enjoyed playing cards and games with friends and family. She belonged to many card clubs that lasted over 50 years. She always enjoyed dancing and belonged for years to a square dance club. Dorothy's family would like to give a special thank you to Linda Peden for taking loving care of her over the last seven years. Much appreciated also, was the care Dorothy received by the staff of Falls Village and Hospice of Summa.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Ward; parents, Everett and Lydia McGraw; brothers, Charles, James, Harold, Richard, and George McGraw, and infant sister Virginia McGraw.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Robert L. (Marilyn) Ward of Sachse, Texas; her daughter, Kathleen S. (Gary) Eaton of Stow, Ohio; sister, Violet (Charles) Fitch of Girard, Ohio, and sister-in-law Marge McGraw of Youngstown, Ohio; 4 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren;

Michelle (Ward) Clayton, son Conor; Gregory (Tyre) Ward, sons Bryan, Robbie, Randie, and daughter Tracie; Shawn (Melissa) Eaton, sons Grant and Alec; Ward (Jennifer) Eaton, sons Thad and Landon; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015 at the Donovan Bagnoli Funeral Home, 339 Southwest Ave., Tallmadge.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. William Liming officiating.

Interment will be at Stow Cemetery.