Joann Nedra (Russell) Ward, age 84, resident of Williston, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg. She was born on May 30, 1941, in Lake Township, Ohio, to the late Arthur C. and Julia (Applegate) Russell.

Joann was a graduate of Lake High School, Class of 1959. Here she met the love of her life, David. New Year’s Eve would have been their 66th wedding anniversary. After high school, she went on to get a degree in art history from the University of Toledo. Her passion for history and art shone through her involvement in the Wolcott House; Perrysburg Historical Museum, which she started with her longtime friend, Judith Justice; the Wood County Museum, and many surrounding libraries. Joann took great pride in her reenactments of Martha Washington; she was always able to play the part and educate others on important history. Her active involvement in the Perrysburg community exemplified her spirit of service and dedication.

Gardening and painting also were a passion for Joann. These hobbies not only brought her joy but also contributed to the beauty of her surroundings. Family meant everything to Joann. She learned this early on as she helped raise her younger siblings after their mother’s untimely passing.

Joann will be remembered not only for her professional achievements and community involvement, but also for her warmth, kindness and the love she shared with those around her.

Those left to forever cherish her memory are her loving children, Paul (Cheryl) Ward of Woodville, Ohio, Michael (Sandy Schydzik) Ward of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Michaelle Whited of Williston, Ohio; grandchildren, Cynthia (Kyle) Tipton, Diana Ward, Stephanie Byersmith, Amber (Brian) Ruemmele, William (Mychelle) Whited, Douglas Whited, Christian (Rebekah) Ward, Madison Ward and Paul Ward; great-grandchildren, Ashton Ward, Kei Ward, Finn Ward, Tony Whited, Lilly Whited, Rylee Ruemmele, Caden, Chloe, Oaklee, and Jensen Tipton; sisters, Doris Strait and Suzanne Ketron; brother, Arthur Russell; half-sisters, Debbie Trame, April Rawski and Mary Jane Comber; step-brother, Russ Glass; numerous nieces and nephews, and former daughter- in-law, Jennifer Marcoaldi.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, David Ward; daughter, Julie Byersmith, and siblings, Paul and Diane Russell.

Family and friends visited at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 South Wynn Road, Oregon, on February 1, from 1 p.m. until the time of her service, which began at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joann’s name to Perrysburg Area Historic Museum Spafford House, 27340 West River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551; The Wolcott House, director@wolcott house.org, or Joann’s family.