Theresa Lynn Ward

Theresa Lynn Ward, age 56, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away at 1:20 pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at her residence in Monmouth. She was born on December 28, 1957 in Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of William W. and Marilyn E. Howell Strange. Theresa received her education in Monmouth where she attended local schools. On March 12, 1983, Theresa married Gary A. Ward in Monmouth, Illinois and he is surviving. She began work as a waitress at Irene's Cafe in Monmouth for a number of years. For a time, she was a cook and waitress at Cottage Corner in Monmouth. She then was a dietary assistant supervisor at Applegate Inn for 28 years. Upon the closing of the nursing home, Theresa began work at District 38 in the cafeteria at Lincoln School. She was then employed by Farmland Foods, working in the cafeteria for 8 years, until her retirement due to her health. She was an avid NASCAR fan and cheered for her driver; Jeff Gordon. Theresa also loved her animals. Surviving is her husband, Gary A. Ward of Monmouth, three daughters, Stephanie Frakes of Rock Island, IL, Lisa Ward and finance Kenyon Love of Monmouth, IL, and Ashley Ward of Monmouth, IL, two sons, Bobby Talley and Robbie Talley, both of Monmouth, IL. Also surviving is one sister, Marilyn (Butch) Engle of Monmouth, IL, sixteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jennifer Talley, two sisters, and two brothers. Services:A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 12, 2014 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Monmouth Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for OSF Holy Family Hospice.