Bessie Ward Obituary

With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of Bessie Ward of Antioch, Illinois, whose presence will be deeply missed, having departed on January 23, 2026 at the age of 86. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Marvin Earnest and Roberta Earnest; her husband Delbert Ward; her sons, Marvin and Dell Ward; and her siblings, JD, Huel, Newborn, Mitchell, Christine, Ruthie and Ruby.

She is survived by: her children, Donald Ward of Burlington, WI and Robin Cliff of Beach Park, IL; her daughter-in-law Maureen Ward of Florida; her grandchildren, Branden Ward (Olga), Melissa Heron, Triston Cliff, Felica Mehlhorn (Danny), Gabrielle Ward, Samantha Ward, Dennis Boyd (Taber) and Cody Cliff (Cortney); her great grandchildren, Mark, Aiden, Aubrey, Brock and Connor; her brother Linden Earnest (Faye) of Alabama; and her niece Linda Rankin. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks, you plant a tree in Bessie's memory.