Bobbie Jean Sheldon Ward was born on January 10, 1930, in Advance, Missouri. She passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Prairie View Skilled Nursing Center in Bloomfield, Missouri, at the age of 94. She was the youngest child of Richard and Addie Sheldon. She always spoke fondly of her growing up years and shared her happy memories with family and friends.

On December 16, 1946, at the young age of almost 17, she married Jack Ward. He was 10 years older than her and together they set about building a life together. They soon added two sons, Dennis and Larry, and life was good. Jack and Jean remained together until his passing on January 29, 1998.

Jean had worked at various factory jobs but her favorite things to do involved her home and family. They always had a big garden and she spent hours canning and freezing produce grown in that garden. She was a great cook and baker. Her family enjoyed the amazing meals that she prepared. She liked to sew and do needlepoint. She also enjoyed staying in touch with others on her computer. She tried to keep up with family through daily emails. She loved to play with the grandkids and later the great grandkids. She was always up for a game of Go Fish or whatever they wanted to do.

Besides her husband Jack and son Dennis, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Elsie Rhodes, and Lucille Crain, and by two brothers, Velmer Sheldon, and Edwin Sheldon.

She is survived by her son, Larry Ward of Bloomfield, Missouri; by her daughter-in-law, Debbie Ward; by her grandchildren, Michele Bascom, Kara Walker (Seth) and Alex Ward; and by her great grandchildren, Ricky and Britney Bascom and Emma Walker. She will be missed by her family and friends.

A private graveside service will be held at Gravel Hill Cemetery near Bloomfield.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.