Mary Louise "Pidge" Ward's Obituary
Mary Louise “Pidge” Ward, 85, of Bellbrook, Ohio, passed away peacefully at Bethany Village on November 10, 2025, surrounded by love and prayer.
Born in Cleveland on May 14, 1940, Pidge was the eldest child of Joseph and Wilma Lally. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Joe and John Lally, and is survived by her brother, Bill Lally, and his wife, Marsha, of Cleveland, as well as several nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.
Pidge was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Ward, who passed away in October 2017. She was the devoted mother of Jim Ward and his wife Margaret of Clarksville, Tennessee, and the late Leslie, Kimberly, Tom, and Jackie. She was a proud grandmother to Katherine, James, Will, Ethan, and Grant, each of whom brought her tremendous joy.
Her Catholic faith was the steady foundation of her life. As a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Centerville, Ohio, Pidge found comfort and purpose in prayer, community, and her deep trust in God’s presence. Her quiet strength and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her.
Pidge spent her life caring for others, both within her own family and beyond. She was a loving caregiver to several families over the years and was genuinely grateful for the trust they placed in her. Each child she cared for held a special place in her heart. She was especially thankful for the Roesch family, who made her feel like one of their own and continued to visit, pray, and support her throughout her final years.
Pidge was also blessed with the friendship of her dearest friend, Patti Gillespie, whose constant love and presence remained a comfort to her until the end.
She will be remembered for her gentle humor, generous spirit, and love of music, dancing, reading, and time spent with friends. She cherished evenings of laughter, cards, and good conversation, and she found joy in life’s simple moments.
Her faith, compassion, and quiet strength will continue to guide those who loved her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Centerville, Ohio. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 AM on Monday. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow the Mass at the church. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Bethany Village and Walnut Creek Assisted Living for their dedicated care and kindness over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Mary Louise Ward to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Dayton, (https://stvincentdayton.org/how-to-donate/memorial/) or the Dayton chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org/donate).
Condolences may be made to the family at www.connerandkoch.com.
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