Martha Jane (Helman) Ward, 87, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, following a courageous battle against dementia. Jane was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. While our hearts mourn her loss, and she will be missed tremendously, we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace in her heavenly home.
Jane was born August 12, 1937, to Wilbur and Carrie (Moore) Helman, Sr. in Indiana, Pennsylvania. She was the second of five children and grew up on the family farm with her sisters and brother. She graduated from Marion Center Area School District in 1955. Her first job was as a waitress at Dean’s Diner. She also worked at Brookville Glove Company and Campus Sportswear. She went on to become self-employed as a hair stylist, owning her own salon.
Jane married the love of her life, WIlliam Carl Ward Jr. on June 20, 1956. They spent 69 years giving their family and friends the best example of a loving marriage and true partnership. Upholding their vows of in sickness and in health, Bill never left her side through these last years, holding her hand to the end.
Jane’s love for the Lord shone through every aspect of her life and she found peace in the promise of eternal life. She shared her faith with others every chance she got and was unwavering in her beliefs. Jane and Bill spent eight years in Arizona doing mission work. She strived to ensure the Gospel message would continue to flourish in the lives of others long after her departure.
Preceded in death by her parents, eldest daughter Carrie “Robin” (Ward) Selover, brother Wilbur Helman, Jr., a grandson, four sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
Jane is survived by her loving husband; daughter Brenda Rethi and husband William, Marion Center; son William C Ward and partner Sue, Dixonville; son James and wife Laura, Indiana; grandchildren Sarah (Michael) Bowersox, Samantha (Gregory) Fisher, Jamie (Robert) Gaskill, Nichole (Logan) Selover, Anthony (Cara) Selover, Heather (Lewis) Small; great grandchildren Connor, Grace, Parker, Austin, Landon, Aubrey, Jaxon, Victoria, Tommy, Timmy, Tanner, and Trenton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a combined memorial service for Jane and Robin performed by Pastor Lois Jackson held on June 28, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at Tanoma United Methodist Church. Interment at Ruffner Cemetery will be private.
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