Thi-Tru Nguyen "Lan" Ward

Thi-Tru (Nguyen) Ward, also known as “Lan” to friends and “Ma” to family, gained her wings as she entered into eternal life December 14, 2023. She lived a long, fulfilling life allowing her to see 77 years of age.

She was born December 10th, 1946, in Quy Nhon, Vietnam, a daughter of Xuan Anh Nguyen and Thi Bam Tran.  She departed from Vietnam in 1972 in her early 20s with her child and late husband Ronald Ward whom she married in 1971. With her beautiful family, she resided in various places in the United States such as North Carolina and Massachusetts.  Eventually settling in Youngstown, Ohio. Where she continued to grow & raise her family.

“Lan” worked as a STNA and eventually became a cook at Diamondhead Nursing Home for 32 years. Ma had a passion for cooking and was always told how delicious her food was. She also enjoyed gardening, playing her numbers, and watching her favorite shows.

Thi-Tru had 7 kids, 2 which stay in Vietnam. Xuan and Cu teo Nguyen, Thi-Mai Lewis, Linda Ward, William (Francis) Ward, Andre Ward, Chueulien Smith & grand-daughter she raised as her own, Mailien Scott. She has 19 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Ma is at peace. We will always remember the strong, selfless, hard working woman she was. Our family will forever cherish the many memories left behind from this outstanding woman.

She was greeted at the gates of heaven by many friends and family. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather, brother, the father of her child Ernest Smith, ex-husband Ronald Ward, and significant other Richard G. Martin.

Visitation will be Friday, December 22, 2023 from 11:00 a.m – 12:00 noon at the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will follow at 12:00 noon.  Guests are asked to wear masks.

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