Barbara Ward

Barbara Mae Ward, 81, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 with her loving family by her side. She was born on November 9, 1943 to her parents, John Marcum and Carrie (Jones) Marcum in Monticello, Kentucky.

Barbara graduated from Wayne County High School in the class of 1961. She married Robert Grayson Ward on September 2, 1967 and the two enjoyed many years together before Robert passed away in 2013. Through the years, Barbara dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Barbara had a simple approach to most things in life and many appreciated her genuine and loyal heart. She was very strong in her faith and was a proud member of the Church of Christ in Tipton for many years.

In Barbara’s spare time she enjoyed reading, especially books by Laura Ingle Wilder. She also enjoyed watching old western stories on television. 

She loved nothing more than to watch the annual Kentucky Derby. Her family knew all too well that when that race was on they had better be quiet More than anything Barbara loved spending time with her dear family. She will be greatly missed for the positive impact she made in so many lives.    

Those left to carry on Barbara’s legacy of love are her children, Paul Ward (Deanna), Phil Ward (Darcy); grandchildren, Andrew Grayson Ward, Abigaile Ward, Gabrielle Hayward, Amber Ward, Morgan Ward; great grandchildren, Elena & Esme Hayward; siblings, Donald S. Marcum, Betty Faye Marcum; as well as her beloved grand pugs. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ward; parents, John and Carrie Marcum; siblings, Charlie Robert Marcum, Flonnie Marie Guffey, Iva B. Simpson, Golda Jewell DeRossett, and Johnny Everett Marcum.

A service celebrating Barbara’s life will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton with Pastor John Ankrum officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held immediately following the service at Brookside Cemetery in Windfall, Indiana. 

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ward family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Barbara with her family on her tribute wall.  

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