Beverly Mae (Miller) Ward died at home in Hoopeston, Illinois on September 23, 2022 surrounded by family at the age of 80.

Beverly is survived by her children, Mark (Denise) Ward, Kim (Jim) Judy, Dawn Ward, MaryBeth (Marc) Young, Charles Ward, and Priscilla (Mike) Gregg; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and sister, Roberta (Miller) Diaz. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Donald Ward, a son, Paul Ward and sister, Marcia (Miller) Valentine.

Beverly was born on May 4th, 1942, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts to Richard and Doris Miller. She was a distinguished artist for over thirty years. Her art career started at the same time her oldest children were going off to college. In 1987, she graduated from Danville Area Community College with an Associate in Arts degree. Beverly’s work has shown in many Juried Shows, Galleries, Art Competitions, and Art Festivals in Illinois and across the nation. She has won numerous awards and recognitions and is a talented teacher having developed and instructed various classes throughout Illinois. Beverly was talented in many forms of media. Her early works were oil paintings. From there, she expanded into drawing using colored pencil, pen & ink, pastels, as well as mixed media. A big part of Beverly’s career focused on creating art with handmade paper. Her work is displayed in numerous private and corporate collections throughout the U.S. Her children and grandchildren remember her as a woman full of wisdom that encouraged and supported them to pursue their goals and live life to the full.

Beverly shared her love for art with her grandchildren, who have excelled under her guidance. Her eye for artistic beauty is displayed in the flower gardens surrounding her home. Here she would sit for hours enjoying coffee and a good book. She was a dedicated patron of the Hoopeston Public Library and supported them through her art.

Visitation will be held at Blurton Funeral Home, Hoopeston IL, on Monday, September 26th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27th at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Hoopeston, IL at 10:00 am with a lunch to follow at St. Anthony Parish Hall. Fr. Ignatius Mulenda will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Beverly's life. Burial will follow the service in Floral Hill Cemetery. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and staff at the Transitions hospice for their dedication to Beverly's comfort. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Hoopeston Public Library located at 110 North 4th Street, Hoopeston, Illinois. Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.