Betty R. Ward, 78, of Delphi, died Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Clarian Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Born Sept. 5, 1930, in White County, she was the daughter of the late Arvil Voyles and Ivadell Criswell Voyles Gingrich. Her marriage was on Oct. 10, 1953, at her parent's home south of Delphi, to John R. Ward, who survives.

Mrs. Ward was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Delphi where she was a lifelong member, elder, deacon, choir director for many years, financial secretary and member of the deacon's closet and United Presbyterian Women.  She served on the board of the Carroll County Food Pantry.

Mrs. Ward worked as a teller and bookkeeper at the former Union Bank & Trust in Delphi, she and her husband bagged apples for Risko's Orchard in Monticello, and she retired from the Carroll County Farm Bureau Insurance office in Delphi.

Also surviving are two sons, Brice E. Ward of Delphi and Randy J. Ward (wife: Cathy) of Brownsburg; a stepsister, Wilma Gingrich Perkins of Elizabethtown, Ky.; a brother, John H. Gingrich V (wife: Linda) of Delphi; and two grandsons.

Also surviving are 2 grandsons, Brandon Ward (wife: Ashley Hart Ward) and Matthew A. Ward.  She was preceded in death by her stepfather, John H. Gingrich IV; and her brother Freeman Voyles.  She had a lovely voice and sang regularly at church.  Betty's family was very important to her.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.  She was a great cook, and had several recipes that many looked forward to at family reunions and get-togethers, most notably, Persimmon Pudding and Chicken & Noodles.  Betty was an avid crossword puzzle worker, and picture puzzle builder, with her family always trying to find one that would challenge her.  She also liked to cros-stitch, making many special heirlooms.

Services were at the First Presbyterian Church in Delphi. Burial will follow at Masonic Cemetery, Delphi.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.