Susan Helen Ward, 80, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away, Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Salem.

She was born on November 4, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. Susan was united in marriage to the late Larry H. Ward on September 22, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois. Susan was a kind-hearted and loving woman who truly loved the life she built on her farm shared with her husband. She was a wonderful mother to her three children; her greatest pride and joy was her family. All her family meant everything to her, and she loved them with all her heart. She treasured being a mother and grandmother and loved watching her family grow and evolve through the years. Nothing brought her more happiness than having her children and grandchildren together enjoying the farm life, sharing a meal, celebrating a holiday or spending time with one another. Peace Valley Farm was her paradise, but her family was her heart.

She loved being outdoors, working in her garden & caring for her animals.

She loved her goats and took great pride in raising quality milk goats. She was a member of the Dairy Goat Association for more than 50 years, where she made many lifelong friendships and shared her love and knowledge of goats with others. Susan loved all animals, but her dogs held a particularly special place in her heart. She cherished them all dearly and cared for them as family.

Above all Susan was always there to listen, to offer comfort, and to lend a helping hand. Her gentle heart, generous spirit, love of her family and friends, animals, farm and garden touched the lives of so many. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Susan is survived by her son, Larry John Ward, Jr. of Homer Glen, Illinois; daughters, Susan Betty Santiago and husband Terry of Scottsdale, Arizona and Donna Marie Ward of Oak Lawn, Illinois; grandchildren, Taylor Lauren Gercone, Paris Katherine Ward, Hunter Merrit Ward and Landon Scott Santiago; sister-in-law, Connie Coroch; niece, Debbie DeCaro and husband Darin; nephew, Todd Coroch and wife Christy; great nieces, Kelsey, Lexi and Kylie; sister by choice, Dina Bonte and husband Ron and many loving neighbors and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry H. Ward, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Carmela Ward; parents, John Frank Gross and Mary Mabel Hlavac; her grandparents who raised her and her father and mother-in-law, John and Betty Ward.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Doty Family Funeral Service Chapel in Salem, Arkansas beginning at 1:00 PM.