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Joan B. Ward, 84, of Blair, Nebraska, passed away March 9, 2026, at Josie A. Harper Hospice House in Omaha. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at First Lutheran Church in Blair. Visitation will be held prior to services beginning at 9:00 A.M. Private graveside services will be held in the Blair Cemetery.

Joan was born on September 18, 1941, in Blair, Nebraska, the daughter of Carl and Violet (Gilliland) Hansen. She graduated from Blair High School in 1960. She was united in marriage to Roger Ward on June 8, 1962, at First Lutheran Church.

To this union two children were born, Julie and Mark. Joan was a stay-at-home mother until her children grew and then she began a career with Good Shepherd Lutheran Community in Blair. She began her career in the dietary department and later became a certified activities director. She retired from Good Shepherd in 2015.

Her life was one of service and dedication to her family. As the Activities Director, Joan was known for her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought into the lives of those she worked with. Her kindness and generosity were her trademarks, making every day a little brighter for those around her. Joan was a beloved individual whose impact reached far beyond her family and work, touching the lives of everyone she met.

She is survived by her children: daughter Julie (Craig) Warden, son Mark (Nancy) Ward; grandson Logan Ward; Roger Ward; sister-in-law Sonya Hansen, along with extended family and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings brother James Hansen, sister Mary Ann (Gene) Fuchs and fiancé Russ Jones.

Memorials may be directed to Joseph's Coat Food Pantry, MCH Hospital Auxiliary or the Blair Fire and Rescue.

Services by Campbell Aman Funeral Home. Blair, NE.

~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~

FindaGrave # 294786979