Donna W. Ward

Age 75 of Wilmington, Illinois and formerly of Braidwood, Illinois, died April 9, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born November 15, 1947 in Effingham, Illinois, Donna was a daughter of Donald and Virginia (Taylor) Evans. She was raised in Braidwood and graduated from Reed Custer High School with the Class of 1965. On December 20, 1967, Donna married Charles E. Ward in the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington and together they made a home in Braidwood before settling in Wilmington to raise their family.

Donna attended Beauty School in Kankakee and worked as a hairdresser locally, as well as out of her home prior to gaining employment with McDonalds in Wilmington. She later went to work for Tom and Sandy Welsh at the Wilmington Cleaners until her retirement. She was a member of Braidwood Recreation Club, and took pleasure in embroidery. Donna was an amazing cook; loved flowers, particularly yellow tulips, and took great pleasure working inside her home, cleaning and maintaining the family residence. She will be remembered for her love of family and spending holidays with those near and dear to her. One who was strong willed, Donna leaves behind a truly caring and loving legacy which includes her children, grandchildren and great grandson.

Survivors include her three daughters: Anita Ward of Wilmington, Jill Zacha of Braidwood and Dawna Ward of Wilmington; grandchildren:  Ashlee (Alex) Clubb of Morris and Jace Zacha of Braidwood; one great-grandson, Parker Clubb; one sister, Brenda (Paul) Bumpous of Braidwood; her sister-in-law, Susie Evans of Wilmington; nephews and nieces: William “Bopper” (Shawn) Welsh, III of Wilmington, Jake (Alyssa) Evans of Shorewood, Illinois and John Harvey of Braidwood; great nieces and great nephews: D.J., Whitney, Marcus, Zach and Isla and great-great nephews: Bentley, Bryson and Beckham, as well as her uncle, Wallace Taylor of Mattoon, Illinois.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Virginia Evans; husband, Charles Ward (2021); brother, Wally Evans and niece, Melissa (Welsh) Harvey.

Per Donna’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington.  A procession will depart at 1:30 p.m. to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood for 2:00 p.m. committal services. Donna will be laid to rest with her late husband Charles in the columbarium.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Donna’s memory to a Veteran’s organization of the donor’s choosing or to Lightways Hospice of Joliet.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Donna’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815-476-2181)