HARVEY – June Maria Ward, 74, of 616 Willow Road, Harvey, entered eternal life Wednesday evening, November 1, 2006, at home, in the compassionate and loving care of her family and the caregivers of Lake Superior Hospice.
Born June 18, 1932 in Nahma, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Saccator) Peters, June attended school in Harbor Springs, and was raised between Deerton and Marquette. She had been a Chocolay Township resident for the past 51 years. A homemaker, she enjoyed spending time with her family and loved ones at family get-togethers, was an avid BINGO and casino participant, enjoyed sewing, card games, and picking blueberries. She was very devoted to her family and was always there whenever they needed her, and always seemed to have time to help other people. June was a member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Survivors include her husband, Clifford R. Ward Sr, whom she married March 29, 1955; her children, Emily Peters of Wetmore, James Ward Sr of Marquette, Diana Garrow of Manchester, NH, Peggy (Clyde) Garrow of Harvey, Regina Ward of Marquette, Robin (Gerald) Schofield of Harvey, and Julie Bentley; her step-children, Clifford (Donna) Ward Jr, Frank (Barb) Ward, Bruce (Maureen) Ward, Charlotte (Paul) Huard, Sharon (Mitch) Lazeren, and Bonnie (Graham) Nicholson; her grandchildren, James Peters, Michael Peters, Daniel Peters, Christine Thompson, Theresa Banks, Deanna Ward, James Ward III, William Garrow, James Garrow, Tanya Sprowl, Tammy Garrow, Peggy Lehtomaki, Noah Lownds, Sidney Lownds, Hope Ward, Thomas Hainstock, Timothy Hainstock, Elizabeth Wayne, and Charles Hainstock; great-grandchildren, Delana Sprowl, Megan Johnson, Michael Johnson, Maria Johnson, Alex Lehtomaki, Brayden Burgess, Robert Wayne, Page Peters, Tyler Peters, Jamall Peters, JoAnne Thompson, Andy Thompson, and Marshall Thompson; her half-sisters, Linda Seymour of Wetmore and Darlene Nowak residing in California; half-brothers, Vernon Nikunen and Richard Nikunen both of Escanaba; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, June was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Blikken; son, Allan Ward; step-son, Joseph Ward; grandson, Levi Bentley; sisters, Elizabeth Nobles and Phyllis Seymour; brother, Sonny Peters; and half-sister, Vera Hardwick.
Relatives and friends may call at the family home during the days prior to Sunday’s ceremonies, to partake in the Native American ceremonial feasts which will begin each evening at 6:00 p.m.
A traditional ceremony for immediate family will be held on Sunday, November 5, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The family will then greet friends beginning at 4:00 pm Sunday at June’s home, 616 Willow Road, Harvey.
