Martha L. Ward, daughter of the late Albert S. and Mollie C. Carnes Lincoln, was born in Wappapello, Missouri on November 20, 1918, and passed away at the Puxico Nursing Center on March 28, 2012, at the age of 93 years, 4 months and 8 days.

Martha lived in the Wappapello area all her life. She was a member of the New Life Baptist Church in Wappapello and enjoyed gardening and sewing.

She was married to Leffie E. Ward on April 21, 1936, in Wappapello. He preceded her in death on June 13, 1986.

Surviving are one son and spouse, Carroll and Shelby Ward of Puxico; two daughters and spouses, Barbara and David Lafferty of Alton, Illinois and E. Joyce and Jim Johnson of Poplar Bluff; by four grandchildren, Del Ward, Jimmy Johnson, Brad Lafferty, Julie McFarland; four great-grandchildren, Chris Ward, Andrew Lafferty, Jena Lafferty, Matthew McFarland; and two great great grandchildren, Carson Ward and Maddalyn Ward. 

She was preceded in death by one sister, Nellie Benhoff, two brothers, Elmer C. Lincoln, B. Frank Lincoln; a grandson, Jonathan Johnson and great great grandson, Jonathan Johnson.

Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday, March 30, 2012, from  at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m.,  Saturday, March 31, 2012,  at the Watkins and Sons Chapel in Puxico with Chaplain Brad Lafferty of St. Charles, Missouri and Rev. Kenneth Lambert of Bloomfield, Missouri officiating.

Interment will be in Puxico Cemetery in Puxico, Missouri with Watkins and Sons Funeral Service of Puxico in charge of arrangements.