Gertrude Mae Howton Ward

Gertrude Mae Howton Ward, 94, went to God on July 20, 2011. Gertie was born March 12, 1917 in the Meyers/Mazarn community in Garland County, Arkansas. She was the only surviving child of Oscar and Frances Howton. Her brother, Frank, and sister, Marie, both died in their childhood.

Gertie married Wesley Ward during the depression. After paying the circuit riding preacher, they had less than $10 to begin their new life together. The harshness of their early years taught Wesley and Gertie how to survive by hard work. Together and by the grace of God, they bought a farm on Pearcy Mountain. To pick up mail or go to town for supplies required at least a mile walk because the road was rough and seldom passable. On the mountain, they raised goats and chickens along with a variety of vegetables. Wesley went away to serve in World War II while Gertie stayed alone on the mountain and kept the farm.

Wesley returned from the war and they were blessed to add a baby boy to their family. George Earl Ward was born February 21, 1948. Before George started to school, Wesley and Gertie sold their mountain farm and bought a farm in the Meyers Community where George could board the school bus without walking a mile. They raised many cattle, operated a 500-hen chicken house and grew a 5-acre vegetable garden yearly for 40 years. Each Friday, they would take eggs and vegetables into Hot Springs to sell house to house.

Wesley went to God in February, 1988. Once again, Gertie was alone on the farm. She soon found a need to use a walker to sustain her mobility, but she continued to garden just as faithfully. Gertie developed health issues which required her to move in with George and his wife, Nelda. She remained there to her death frequently speaking of gardening chores as though she were still doing them. Her mind kept her garden alive, though her body failed to cooperate. From now on, she will be doing her gardening in Heaven. Her courageous battles with health issues are over.

Gertie is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, George and Nelda Ward of Hot Springs; three grandsons and wives, Bruce and Rana Ward of Hot Springs, Wesley and Tasha Ward of North Little Rock, and Russell and Emilie Ward of Vicksburg, MS; five great-grandchildren: Hunter, Emma, Gavin, Violet and Edie Ward.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2011 at Gross Funeral Home with Reverend Harold Mauldin and Chaplain Billy Blackmon officiating, assisted by Brother Tim Virnig.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be George Ward, Bruce Ward, Wesley Ward, Russell Ward, Guy McDill and Mitchell McDill.

A very special thanks to Denise Thornton, Martha Moss, Jennifer Mayberry, Jennifer Schroeder from Dierksen Hospice, who treated Gertie more like family than a patient. Also much thanks to all other Dierksen employees who made Gertie’s journey from this earth to heaven much more pleasant.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Daniel Rowe, Helen Wilcox, Dolores Farias, Mary Godwin and Kelly Tuberville Hill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Academy, 213 Arrowhead, Hot Springs, AR 71913.

Burial will be in Howton Cemetery on the Old Dallas Road in Montgomery County, Arkansas.

Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com