In loving memory of
Juanita Ward
1939 - 2026
MALINTA, OHIO – Juanita (Spears) Ward., age 86, entered her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 23, 2026. Juanita was born on September 17, 1939, in Pike County, KY, to Corbin and Ethel (Thacker) Spears. On April 18, 1959, she married the love of her life Ronkeith Ward in Lebanon, VA. Together the two made unforgettable memories and raised a beautiful family.
Juanita worked at Campbell’s Soup company for more than 20 years. She had a passion for Christ and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Holgate. She enjoyed singing at the nursing homes alongside other church members.
Juanita is survived by her son, Larry (Sandy) Ward of Napoleon, OH; brothers, Roger (Bea) Spears of Waco, TX, Ira Spears of Napoleon, OH, Bert (Annis) Spears and Ronnie Spears, both of Feds Creek, KY; sister, Vernie (Dallas) Hodge of Napoleon, OH; grandchildren, Ruth Barton, Sarah Ward, Larry Ward Jr, Amber Wilson, Daniel Ward and Arielle Fleetwood; 15 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronkeith Ward; son, Kevin Ward; brothers, Clayton and Tommy Spears, and sister, Lou Burks.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4-7 PM at First Baptist Church, 448 S. Keyser St, Holgate, OH 43527. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 12 PM with Pastors Irl Grundy and Charlie Alley officiating. The family will begin receiving friends 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Hoy Cemetery, 8842 County Rd O3, Napoleon, OH 43545. There will be a meal and time of fellowship with the family at the church following the committal service.
Flowers may be delivered to the church on Thursday between 2-4PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or a charity of your choice, in honor of Juanita. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. For additional information and to view Juanita’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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Juanita worked at Campbell’s Soup company for more than 20 years. She had a passion for Christ and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Holgate. She enjoyed singing at the nursing homes alongside other church members.
Juanita is survived by her son, Larry (Sandy) Ward of Napoleon, OH; brothers, Roger (Bea) Spears of Waco, TX, Ira Spears of Napoleon, OH, Bert (Annis) Spears and Ronnie Spears, both of Feds Creek, KY; sister, Vernie (Dallas) Hodge of Napoleon, OH; grandchildren, Ruth Barton, Sarah Ward, Larry Ward Jr, Amber Wilson, Daniel Ward and Arielle Fleetwood; 15 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronkeith Ward; son, Kevin Ward; brothers, Clayton and Tommy Spears, and sister, Lou Burks.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4-7 PM at First Baptist Church, 448 S. Keyser St, Holgate, OH 43527. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 12 PM with Pastors Irl Grundy and Charlie Alley officiating. The family will begin receiving friends 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Hoy Cemetery, 8842 County Rd O3, Napoleon, OH 43545. There will be a meal and time of fellowship with the family at the church following the committal service.
Flowers may be delivered to the church on Thursday between 2-4PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or a charity of your choice, in honor of Juanita. Donation envelopes will be provided at the church. For additional information and to view Juanita’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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Visitation 
- Thu, February 05, 2026
- 04:00 to 07:00 PM
- Fri, February 06, 2026
- 11:00 to 12:00 PM
- First Baptist Church
- 448 S Keyser St.
- Holgate, OH 43527
- Telephone: (419) 264-7035
Service
- Fri, February 06, 2026
- 12:00 PM
- First Baptist Church
- 448 S Keyser St.
- Holgate, OH 43527
- Telephone: (419) 264-7035
Additional Details
- If you need immediate assistance or have any question regarding the details of this funeral, please call 1.800.308.3590.
For additional information about ChurchFunerals Direct Network, please email your request to info@churchfuneralsdirect.com.
