Cover photo for Rita K. Ward's Obituary
Rita K. Ward Profile Photo
1932 Rita 2008

Rita K. Ward

May 2, 1932 — May 12, 2008


Mrs. Rita K. Ward, 76, of Frederick, loving wife of 51 years and mother of 6, died on Monday, May 12, at her residence, with her daughter and youngest son at her side.

Rita was born to the late Levi Joseph and Mary Gray Kelly on May 2, 1932, in the small town of Spangler, Pennsylvania. An adventurous spirit, she moved to Washington D.C. shortly after graduation where she worked for Universal Pictures before moving into government employment, working for the GSA, the ASPPA, and finally the AEC.

She married the love of her life, Ted Ward, on January 30, 1954, and in 1957 they purchased an old farmhouse in the country, leaving the city far behind to raise their family. Rita's proudest and most joyous accomplishment was her family, and her husband and children were the focus of her life to the end.

Surviving are her four children and their spouses, Ralph T. Ward and wife Barbara of Smithsburg, David L. Ward and wife Pamela of Lutherville, Carol M. Ward-Morris and husband Dennis Morris of Scottsdale, AZ., and Jason K. Ward of Maugansville; two brothers, Russell Kelly of Selbyville, DE., and Raymond Kelly, of Warrington, PA.; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Ward is preceded in death by a son, Carl Anthony Ward; a daughter, Gail Kelly Ward; her brother Robert L. Kelly Sr. and his infant twin Elizabeth Kelly; and her sister, Ruth Kelly Price.

Rita touched the lives of everyone around her with her generous smile and countless kindnesses, even in her final days. Her absence will be felt deeply by many friends including her dearest, Jan Lanahan, of Littlestown, PA.

The closing of their adventures will leave the countryside a quieter place. Son Jason's pit bull, Quin, will, without a doubt, miss sharing toast and kisses with her.

Her strength, patience, gentleness, understanding, and love, so invested in her children, will be greatly missed.

Services: Services and interment will be private.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Frederick County, whose nurses, aides, and staff helped make it possible for both Rita and Ted to leave this life as comfortably and peacefully and joyfully as possible, at home with their family.


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