Laura May Ward

Laura May Ward, 82, of Shepherd of the Valley-Niles formerly of Judyth St. SE died at 9:07 PM Tuesday July 17, 2007 at Trumbull Memorial Hospital following a short illness. She was born March 26, 1925 in Warren the daughter of Herman and Esther (Swab) Braun. A lifetime Warren resident, she graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1943 where she was a majorette. Well known for her athleticism, she played baseball and basketball in the 1940’s and enjoyed roller-skating, bowling, bingo, playing cards and visiting casinos. Laura was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She was a founder with Ann Johnson of Ward’s Costume Shoppe in Warren in 1949. In 1977 she moved the shop to Niles where it is still located. Laura is survived by 3 daughters Shirley Ann (Raymond) James of Howland, Wendy (James) Hake of Warren, Connie Lee Harrold of Warren, a brother George Braun of Cortland, a sister Mabel Lammon of Austintown, 9 grandchildren, Charles “CJ” (Beth) James, Farrah James who helped with her care, Jonathan James, Josh Harrold, William (Nikki) Hake, James (Amanda) Hake, Michael Hake, Jonathan Hake, Samantha Hake, and 9 great grandchildren, Max, Sammy, Ben, Austin, Aden, Anthony, Alex, Jill, and Laylanie. Her husband Edgar Ward whom she married May 4, 1946 preceded her in death Aug.29, 1985. She also was preceded in death by 2 sons Barry William Ward and Edgar Ward II. There will be a memorial service at 2:00 PM Monday July 23, 2007 at the Pineview Cemetery Chapel 4049 Youngstown Rd. SE. Rev. David MacDonald will officiate. Roberts-Clark Chapel handled the arrangements. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.robertsclarkchapel.com.