Lillian Ward

Lillian Bope Crandell Ward passed away peacefully in her sleep at Ebeid Hospice in Sylvania on October 30, 2012 after a long and productive life. Lill Ward had two happy marriages, the first with her college sweetheart, William Prentice Crandell, and after his death to her former high school boyfriend J. Frank Ward, also deceased. Born in 1916 in Thornville, Ohio, she met her husband Bill when they were students at the Ohio State University, where both graduated. They married in 1938. Bill and Lill Crandell had two sons, William F. Crandell of Perrysburg and Terry E. Crandell of Sylvania, who survive their mother. Out of a lifelong love of flowers, Lill became an active member and officer of the Town and Country Garden Club and an accredited flower show judge whose lectures on the art won her the title The Will Rogers of Flower Arranging. After she printed prize ribbons at home for club events, Lill and her husband Bill founded Sylvan Studio, a Sylvania-based international business that manufactures prize ribbons and trophies. After her first husbands death in 1974, Lill met a former Newark High School boyfriend, Frank Ward, at their 44th reunion and married him in 1980. Lill and Frank were active members of Highland Meadows Country Club until Franks death in 1987. Lill was a proud lifetime member of the Ohio State University Alumni Club. Raised a Republican, she became an active Democrat during the Vietnam War. Lillian Ward is survived by her sons and their wives, Judith Speizer Crandell and Cynthia Duvall Crandell; by her grandchildren Todd, Jason and Tatianna Crandell; by Todd and Jasons wives, Melissa Crandell and Andrea Ferretti; and by her great-grandchildren Skylar, Konor, Madison, Mason and Sofia-Rose. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Sylvania United Church of Christ, Sylvania, OH 43560. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 PM on SUnday, November 11, 2012 at Sylvania United Church of Christ, 7240 Erie St., Sylvania, OH. This service will be followed by refreshments at the church. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home, 419.841.2422.