Karen Ward

Karen L. Ward, 68, of Lexington, passed away at 5:02 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

Karen was born on March 21, 1947 in Chicago, a daughter to Walter and Dorothy Lepper Raleigh. She married Kevin S. Ward on July 22, 1994 in Bloomington.

Surviving is her husband, Kevin Ward of Lexington; her children, Elizabeth Ward of Bloomington, Mitchell Ward of Lexington and Jennifer Ward of Normal; mother in-law, Lanita Anuci of Springfield and sister in-law, Susan (Aaron) Arnold of Springfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her father in-law.

Karen was born and educated in Chicago where she started her career as a registered nurse. She then worked for BroMenn Medical Center in Normal. She worked various jobs including long-term care head nurse and I.V. therapist before transferring to the emergency room where she was a certified emergency nurse and trauma nurse specialist. She later retired from home health care in 2008 to fight a courageous eight year battle with cancer.

Her family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Sriratana and the staff at the Community Cancer Center, Dr. Ray and his staff at Medical Hills Internists, and the staff at Advocate BroMenn and Axline Pharmacy.

She enjoyed living at their home in the woods on the river. Karen also enjoyed cooking, spending time with her family, friends and her dog, Jake.

Her memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial in Bloomington with Pastor Stephanie Soon officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the start of service on Friday at the memorial home.

Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Cancer Center in Normal.

Online condolences and memories of Karen may be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.