Clarice Merilyn Ward

Clarice Merilyn (Olson) Ward, 94, of Preston, formerly of Lanesboro, died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at the Traditions Assisted Living in Preston. She had resided there for three and a half years.

Clarice was born Aug. 27, 1918, in Amherst Township, Fillmore County, to Ole and Alma (Benson) Olson. She attended O'Hara Country School, Lanesboro High School and La Crosse Business School. On Nov. 27, 1941, she married Howard Ward at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. The couple resided in Lanesboro. Clarice was a housewife and mother. Howard was in road construction and then horse racing. He passed away June 21, 2004.

Clarice was a member of the Thilos Club, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Morning Circle, and the Lanesboro Golf Course. She enjoyed bowling, dancing, grooming horses, cooking, baking, and attending kids and grandkids activities. Clarice was an amazing mother and grandmother.

Clarice is survived by one son and two daughters, Donna (Ward) Johanns (Bob) of Strawberry Point, Iowa, Larry Ward (Pat) of Temple Hills, Md., and Terri (Ward) Dudek (Dave) of Chatfield; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 63 years, Howard; and a granddaughter, Lori.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 29, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, with Rev. Kerry Eversole officiating. Burial will be in the Lanesboro Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is in charge of arrangements. 507-867-4310. rileyfuneralhomes.com