Deborah Ward

Deborah S. Ward, age 63 of Bluff City, Illinois, passed away at 12:22 pm on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at her home. She was born on September 23, 1961 in Havana, Illinois, the daughter of Elmer and Genevieve (Dobson) Ford. On July 28, 2001 Deborah married Randy Ward in Astoria, Illinois. He survives.

Also surviving are her four children, James (Ashley) DeMichele and Jessica (Will) Davidson, both from Arkansas, Austin Ward from Lewistown, Illinois and Amber Ward of Canton, Illinois, five grandchildren; Gabe, Iola, Sage, Connor, and Arial, her sister Jean Peters of Astoria and six brothers; Charles Ford of Springfield, Ohio, Michael Ford of Smithfield, Illinois, Patrick Ford of Astoria, Illinois, Steven “Pete” (Kim) Ford of Ipava, Illinois, Kenneth (Lori) Ford of Lewistown, Illinois and James (Billie) Ford of Arkansas.

Deborah was preceded in death by her sister Janice Dick and her brother Richard Ford.

She worked as a CNA and was a homemaker. She enjoyed traveling, sightseeing and going camping.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, June 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the Woodland Cemetery in Astoria. Pastor Matthew Thiner will officiate. Memorials may be given in Deborah’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Shawgo Memorial Home has been entrusted with arrangements.