Maribeth Ward

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Maribeth Ward, 82 of Carthage, Missouri, passed away at her home on August 4, 2024. She was born on August 6, 1941 in Jasper County, Missouri to the late James and Esther Nadeane (Stith) Still. She graduated from Jasper High School in 1960.

Maribeth along with her late husband, Steve owned and operated for many years, the very successful Sarcoxie Record and Jasper Newspaper which later became Ward Printing. Their business was an intricate part of the local community as well as the Joplin/Carthage area. There were many businesses that benefitted from their printing expertise. 

They were widely known for printing cookbooks for families, senior project graduations and individuals, business cards, labels, advertising flyers, mailings, and so much more.

She was an incredibly creative artist, painting on many tables, chairs, flower pots and other wooden articles and eggs. She loved baking and cooking all sorts of treats which she generously shared with family, friends and neighbors. She loved working in the yard and tending her flowers. She loved playing games with an attitude that it wasn’t about winning but just enjoying the game and the conversations while she played. She loved watching football, horse racing and golf and sewing.

She never questioned her ability to take on any opportunities that came her way. She was fearless and independent. She had the confidence to accomplish anything she put her mind to.

Survivors include one brother, Richard Still and three sisters, Bonibel Wilson, Connie (Cecil) Barclay, and Elizabeth (Bill) Wilson, two brother-in-law’s, Dick (Liza) Ward and Lee Manley, one sister-in-law, Karen Still, an abundance of nieces and nephews and many close friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, R. Steven (Steve) Ward, her parents, and her siblings, Margaret Manley, James (Jr) (Florence)Still, Mermyl (Jack) Wyant, Harvey (Delores) Still, Betty (Ronald) James, Leland Still, and Nancy Still, one brother-in-law, Wayne Wilson and one sister-in-law, Fern Still.

There are no services pending.