Frances Imogene (Jean) Ward, 97, of Dugger, IN passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Sullivan Co. Community Hospital.

She was born in Columbus, IN June 29, 1926 the daughter of Willis Philpot and Lena (Slinker) Philpot.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carl Ward, , four brothers; Elmo Philpot, Don Philpot, Alva Philpot and James Philpot, three sisters, Lettie Perry, Lavern Philpot, and Elizabeth Grider, and a grandson, Todd Petro.

 Survivors include a son, John Crippen (Dottye) of Dugger, IN, two daughters, Janice Crippen of Columbus, IN and Virginia Luetke of Hope, IN. four grandchildren, Emily Hall (Chris), Terry Williams (Angie), Jeff Petro (Renee), Jennifer Turner (Shan) and several great and great great grandchildren.

 She lost so many people she loved over the last 97 years and always had more love to give to new great and great great grandchildren.

 She loved a good joke, even if it was dirty. She loved everything that sparkled and shined. For years, she could be found dancing up a storm over the weekends. She was an excellent painter and nothing was safe from getting another coat of paint.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date and she will be buried in the Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, IN.

Arrangements were entrusted to Newkirk’s Funeral Home.