Donna Ruth (Goodnight) Ward

Donna Ruth Ward of Battle Creek, MI





Donna, age 69, died Tuesday afternoon, February 10, 2015 at the Laurels of Galesburg, surrounded by her loving children and following a brief illness.


Donna, the daughter of Gilbert L. and Vivian J. (Hamacher) Goodnight, was born in Battle Creek on September 3, 1945; was a lifetime resident and a 1963 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. She was the Owner and Operator along with her sister, Norma of a house cleaning service in the area for over 20 years and retiring in 2008. Her and her husband, Mike enjoyed traveling in their younger days especially overseas when he was in the military. Donna's passion in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren.


Donna was united in marriage to Mitchell Neil "Mike" Ward on March 23, 1965 in Battle Creek and he sadly preceded her in death on July 9, 2003. Surviving is her daughter, Julie J. (Patrick) Forseman of Galesburg, MI; three sons, Eddie Ward and Steven M. Ward, both of Battle Creek and "Scottie" N. (Jessica) Ward of Kalamazoo, MI; by her five precious grandchildren, Jeffrey Allen, II, Amanda ((Matt) Evans, Scottie, Sophia and Riley Ward; a great granddaughter, Ellen Evans; her sister, Norma Buller of Battle Creek and her cat whom she loved dearly, Sassy. Donna was also preceded in death by her parents.


The Memorial Service to celebrate Donna's life will be held on Monday, February 16th at 3:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek with the Rev. Robert G. Muirhead, officiating. Donna's family will greet friends on Sunday, February 15th from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Donna will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Mike in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Memorial contributions in Donna's honor may be directed to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or the American Cancer Society, SW Michigan Area, 1400 West Milham Street, Portage, MI 49024.