Martha L. Ward

Martha L. Ward, 92, of West Lafayette, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Franciscan Health Lafayette East.

She was born May 2, 1933, in Kansas City, KS, to Ruhl and Aileen (Browning) Reed. Martha was a 1951 graduate of Central High School in Springfield, MO. On August 28, 1955, she married the love of her life, Willard D. Ward, the couple celebrated 70 years on August 28, 2025.

She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, IN where she was a Sunday school teacher, sang with the choir, and served in many compacities. She most recently attended Otterbein United Methodist Church where she served as secretary and sang in the choir.

Martha met the love of her life while working as an office clerk at the hospital in Springfield, MO. After moving to Lafayette, she worked as an office clerk at St. Elizabeth Hospital. She also worked for Bank One. She then retired in 1999 from Purdue University after working there for 23 years as an Accounting Assistant in Mechanical Engineering.

She enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, doing Crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and playing games such as Yahtzee, Farkle, and Mexican Train Dominoes.

Along with her husband, Willard D. Ward of West Lafayette, she is survived by her 4 children, Cynthia (Robert) Coffey of West Lafayette, IN, Donna (Danny) Yarbrough of Stoneville, NC, Thomas Ward of Gas City, IN, and Janet (Roger) Lippold of Warsaw, IN; sister, Sandra (James) Herman of Fort Wayne, IN; 7 grandchildren, Shelby, Alec, Josie, Pierce, and Rayce Ward, and Ryan (Kaitlyn) and Kyle (Emily) Lippold; 2 great-grandchildren, Eli and Evan Lippold; and 1 great grandchild on the way.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Ruhl and Aileen Reed; 2 sisters, Betty (Hillard) Grannemann and Jean O’ffill; and a brother, James R. Reed.

Memorial contributions in Martha’s name may be given to the Salvation Army, 1110 Union Street, Lafayette, IN 47904.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until time of service at 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Soller-Baker, West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906 with Pastor Dan Hartley officiating.

Interment will follow at Montmorenci Cemetery, 3631 N 650 W, West Lafayette, IN 47906.