Marietta "Mary" (Ricci) Ward

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Marietta "Mary" (Ricci) Ward, who passed away on August 5, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born on February 21, 1932, in Providence, Rhode Island, Mary lived a life defined by love, strength, kindness, and devotion to those around her. She touched countless lives through her compassion, generosity, and unwavering support for family and friends.

Throughout her life, Mary experienced many meaningful milestones. She grew up in Providence Rhode Island, attended Bryant University, where she earned her degree, and met the love of her life, Jack Ward, while attending Navy dances. They were married for 65 wonderful years! Together, they built a family and a successful career, owning several dealerships in Warsaw, Indiana, including Warsaw Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Jack Ward Chevrolet, and Warsaw Honda, where they helped introduce Honda motorcycles to the community. Mary had her hands in every area of the business!

After retiring at a young age, Mary and Jack moved to Spring Hill, Florida, where they enjoyed golfing, traveling, and making lifelong friendships! They had so many wonderful friends and shared countless happy memories together. Following Jack's passing, Mary moved to New Port Richey, Florida, where she lived in an independent living community. She remained active and social, loved playing games with her girlfriend, attended all the community events, and never missed Sunday Mass or Holy Communion!

Above all, Mary treasured her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Genueffa Ricci; her sister, Joan McKendall; and her beloved husband, Jack Ward.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Pat Miller and her husband, Doug; Mary-Jane Ward and, Dustin Bradway; Deborah Smith and her husband, Robert, and her son, Jack Ward. She was also dearly loved by her nephews and niece in Rhode Island.

Mary was blessed with 13 amazing grandchildren, 21 beautiful great-grandchildren, and recently a great-great-grandchild! They brought her immeasurable joy!

Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family and the many people she loved. She enjoyed traveling to exciting destinations, taking countless cruises, and being right in the middle of every celebration! She was an avid Tampa Bay Rays fan and rarely missed a game! She loved the stock market always watching financials very closely, sharp as a tack! She also loved to shop until she dropped—often buying something simply so she could return it later and have another excuse to shop!

Mary created countless cherished memories that will live on for generations!

Although our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Her love, wisdom, humor, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Following the service, a private ceremony will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery, where Mary will be laid to rest beside her beloved Jack.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.