(From Derfelt Funeral Home)Michele “Micki” Sue Ward, age 78, passed away at 1:05 am, Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO following an illness.
Micki was born December 9, 1943 in Columbus to her parents, Robert Martin Grisham and Doris Kenneth (Walker) Grisham.
A 1961 graduate of Columbus High School she lived most of her life in Southeast Kansas. For over 20 years she was the advertising agent for the Columbus Daily Advocate and also worked at the Murdock Funeral Home.
Micki loved the people of Columbus and during her school years was the first ever Cherokee County Rodeo Queen.
During middle age she was very active with golf and other events at the Columbus Country Club and enjoyed participating in leagues at Maple Bowl, which traveled to national championships. Later in her years she enjoyed playing cards and putting together puzzles with friends.
If one word could somehow, someway sum up her beautiful life it would be caregiver. A person with the warmest of souls, never would she hesitate to bring in a stray, be it man or beast, and provide it with the best care possible. Countless dogs, cats, horses, teenagers, and even a jackass, were mothered by Micki as she opened her heart and home. She cared for all, whenever, wherever and however someone needed her. Regardless of circumstance, Micki would open her door, her pantry or an ear to those in need. With her infectious laugh and raised eyebrows she made you feel that you were the most important person in the world. A bright light to all that knew her, our lives will forever be slightly dimmed with her passing.
Micki was married to Jim Ward on April 15, 1997 in Eureka Springs, AR. He preceded her in death, July 17, 2012. She was married to Larry I. Murdock on November 14th, 1963 in Tucumcari, NM. He preceded her in death, February 1st, 2015. Micki was also preceded in death by her parents, one son, Larry R. Murdock and one sister, Stephany Lacy.
Surviving is one son, Todd Murdock, Columbus; one daughter, Heather Murdock, Joplin; and one step child, Chris Murdock, Pittsburg, KS; 8 grandchildren, Cody Murdock, Madalyn Hale, Ashley Purvis, Tara Spencer, Lexi Murdock, Kavin Murdock, Lyrik Murdock, and Gabe Murdock; and 8 great-grandchildren, Addyson Purvis, Avery Purvis, Maverick Purvis, Jaxon Harper, Lillian Hale, Rori Hale, Braxton Murdock, and Octavia Murdock.
Memorial services will be at 6:00pm, Friday, March 25, 2022 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS
If one word could somehow, someway sum up her beautiful life it would be caregiver. A person with the warmest of souls, never would she hesitate to bring in a stray, be it man or beast, and provide it with the best care possible. Countless dogs, cats, horses, teenagers, and even a jackass, were mothered by Micki as she opened her heart and home. She cared for all, whenever, wherever and however someone needed her. Regardless of circumstance, Micki would open her door, her pantry or an ear to those in need. With her infectious laugh and raised eyebrows she made you feel that you were the most important person in the world. A bright light to all that knew her, our lives will forever be slightly dimmed with her passing.
Micki was married to Jim Ward on April 15, 1997 in Eureka Springs, AR. He preceded her in death, July 17, 2012. She was married to Larry I. Murdock on November 14th, 1963 in Tucumcari, NM. He preceded her in death, February 1st, 2015. Micki was also preceded in death by her parents, one son, Larry R. Murdock and one sister, Stephany Lacy.
Surviving is one son, Todd Murdock, Columbus; one daughter, Heather Murdock, Joplin; and one step child, Chris Murdock, Pittsburg, KS; 8 grandchildren, Cody Murdock, Madalyn Hale, Ashley Purvis, Tara Spencer, Lexi Murdock, Kavin Murdock, Lyrik Murdock, and Gabe Murdock; and 8 great-grandchildren, Addyson Purvis, Avery Purvis, Maverick Purvis, Jaxon Harper, Lillian Hale, Rori Hale, Braxton Murdock, and Octavia Murdock.
Memorial services will be at 6:00pm, Friday, March 25, 2022 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Columbus, KS
No comments:
Post a Comment