Services will be held Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Antioch Baptist Church, 110 Funston Street, for Mrs. Ruby Irene Ward, 96, of Youngstown, who entered eternal rest on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at her home.

Mrs. Ward was born April 2, 1921 in Richmond, Virginia, a daughter of John and Madeline Murray Coleman.  She had been employed as a domestic technician for a local family for over 30 years.  She was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church, where she was First Lady when her late husband, the Rev. Alfred Ward served as pastor before his passing in 1999.  She was a member of the church’s Mothers Board, Senior Choir, culinary committee, Sunday School Teacher and Senior Mission Society.  She was also a member of the former Baptist Wives and Widows Association and the Eastern Ohio Baptist Association.  Ruby also served as a volunteer with Hospice; and a member of the N.A.A.C.P.  She enjoyed singing, helping others and as a young women, played basketball and baseball.

She leaves to mourn her passing, but to rejoice in her peace with the Lord, three children, Edward “Rick” (Trina Davenport) Ward, Kimberly L. (Carl, Sr.) Davis and Dina Bell all of Youngstown; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one great great grandson; a brother, Alfred Coleman of Virginia; and a host of nieces and nephews, including, Malka, Ernest and Eric White whom she helped to rear; and a host of othe family, church family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Rev. Alfred, whom she married March 31, 1951 and who passed away May 18, 1999; a son, Alfred Ward, Jr., a great grandson; one brother, John Coleman, Jr.; and seven sisters, Mary Woods, Julia Butler, Virginia White, Evelyn Williams, Betty Coleman and Emma Jones.

Visitation hour will be Saturday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

The family sends a “Special Thank You” to Amy Myers with Visiting Physicians, Grace Hospice, and her niece and caregiver, Malka White for all their care and concern during Ruby’s illness.