Sue Ward

Sue "SuSu" G. Ward, 94 years young, of Overland Park, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2009, surrounded by her friends and family in her home, Silvercrest at Deer Creek.

Sue had a strong sense of humor and was a kind, dedicated, caring person, who was filled with joy and a love of life. She always put the needs of her family and friends ahead of her own, and she will be deeply missed.

Sue was born September 1, 1914 to Morris and Bessie (Stull) Gee in Nashville, Tennessee. She grew up in Memphis, graduating at sixteen years of age from Southside High School in Memphis as salutatorian of her class. Her lifelong love for sports and dance began at a young age, and she was once recognized as the "All-Memphis Queen of the Playground" within the city-wide recreation department. Her love of sports continued as an avid fan, especially of tennis, golf, basketball and football.

She met her late husband Thomas "Bub" B. Ward in Caruthersville, Missouri, where she was performing with a touring dance troupe. The couple married on March 6, 1937 and lived together in Napier Field, AL, El Dorado, Arkansas, Blytheville, Arkansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. They enjoyed spending time with friends and attending sporting events together, particularly Ole Miss football games and golf tournaments.

Sue lived in Tulsa for almost thirty years and enjoyed working at Anthony's Department store. She loved the children and families in her neighborhood, which made it difficult for her to leave her home there.

Sue moved from Tulsa to her home at Silvercrest in Overland Park, Kansas in the summer of 2000. She had great affection for her fellow residents and the Silvercrest staff. She enjoyed many activities at Silvercrest, especially impromptu opportunities to teach line dancing to anyone she could find when she heard "music with a beat", as she would often say. One of her cherished accomplishments was receiving the Silvercrest Angel award in 2004 for her caring and selfless contributions.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brothers, Joe and Cameron Gee. Sue is survived by her daughter, Susan Ward Johnsmeyer, of Overland Park, Kansas; son-in-law, Bill Johnsmeyer; grandson, Brad Johnsmeyer; grandson, Ward Johnsmeyer and his wife Mary; and, her great-granddaughters, Avery and Annie.

Sue's family wants to express sincere appreciation to all of those who have blessed her over the years with friendship and to all who are sharing love and condolences at this time. We will all miss her, but we celebrate a life lived well, full of authentic kindness, compassion and generosity for others.

Donations may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9237 Ward Parkway, Suite 300, Kansas City, Missouri 64114.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 2:15 p.m., Silvercrest at Deer Creek in Overland Park, Kansas.