Mary Francis Ward of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Thursday morning, May 21, 2009, in the Integris Bass Medical Center in Enid, Oklahoma, at the age of 68 years.

Mary Francis Ward was born on November 1, 1940, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Bert Allen and Nancy Mae (Lafferty) Nichols. She grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools. Following her education she married Charles Gilbert Ward on September 4, 1957, in Medford, Oklahoma, and they settled in Blackwell where she served her family as a homemaker. In the early 1970's she began working in the food service department at Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home and worked there for thirty-two years. Her husband preceded her in death on September 22, 1988, and she continued to make Blackwell her home. She enjoyed reading and watching the Food Network.

She is survived by three daughters, Pam Ward of Blackwell, Oklahoma, Kathy Ward of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and Cindy Briggs of Blackwell, Oklahoma; a sister, Betty Neal of Wellington, Kansas; a brother, Russell Nichols of Blackwell, Oklahoma; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Tommy and Max Nichols; two sisters, Virginia Humble and Sue Sheiffield; and a granddaughter, Kristen Ward.

Graveside services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26th in the Blackwell Cemetery with the Rev. Matt Smith of Immanuel Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

The grandchildren will serve as honorary casketbearers.