Sara Marie Ward

Sara Marie Ward, 74, of Arkansas City, KS passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, surrounded by her family. 

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Bible Christian Church in Arkansas City, private graveside services will be held at Parker Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bible Christian Church Ladies Group, donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City. 

Sara was born in Arkansas City to parents Clarence Hayden and Rachel Elaine (Hagan) Hockenbury. She attended Silverdale school before graduating from Ark City High School and later attended Cowley College. She worked for 38 years as a social service director at Medicalodges. Sara was united in marriage to the love of her life, Donald Ray Ward Jr. on March 4, 1971, in Arkansas City. Sara was a member of the Early Birds Lions Club and was a secretary for several years, SCKM auxiliary, VFW Post-1254, and the Bible Christian Church. Sara enjoyed gardening and sewing, but most of all she loved spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter Elise Rachel. 

 Sara is survived by her husband Donald, her son Eric Ward (Reagan) and granddaughter Elise Ward, brothers Clarence “Doc” Hockenbury Jr. (Karen), Timothy Hockenbury, sister Cindy Bay (Roger), and numerous nieces and nephews.