Joyce L. Ward, 74, 627 S. Harrison St., Van Wert, died at 2:20 a.m. May 10, 2009, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.

She was born July 19, 1934, in Mercer County, to Howard F. and Mildred Roberts Coats. On Aug. 4, 1950, she married Charles E. "Red" Ward Jr., who died June 13, 1991.

Surviving are three sons, Charles "Bill" (Teena) Ward, St. Marys, Carl (Beverly) Ward, Piqua, and Tim Ward, Mendon; four daughters, Vickie (Gary) Gossard, Wabash, Karla (Roger) Endicott, Van Wert, Kathleen (Tony) Black, Ohio City, and Veronica (Jerry) Burk, Wabash; four brothers, Paul (Vivian) Coats, Celina, Dallas Coats, Tama, Jim (Bonnie) Coats, Celina, and Howard (Joan) Coats, Sebring, Fla.; two sisters, Betty Coombs, Celina, and Barbara (Bill) Doty, Wapakoneta; a sister-in-law, Barb Coats, St. Marys; 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Deceased is an infant son; two brothers, Don and Irvin Coats; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Coats; a grandchild and a great-grandchild.

She worked as a custodian for Celina West Elementary and retired in 1996. She was a member of the Fraternal Orders of Eagles Auxiliary, Celina.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Thomas Christen officiating. Burial is at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Condolences can be left at www.ciscofuneralhome.com.