Sherry Jean Ward

Sherry Jean Ward, 64, a longtime resident of Cave Creek, Arizona, passed away from breast cancer on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Scottsdale's Mayo Hospital Hospice. Born in Batesville, Arkansas, in 1953, she was the daughter of Ed and Alma Ward. Sherry spent her childhood in Flint, Michigan. After graduating from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a degree in journalism, she moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, then relocated to Arizona in the early 1990s. Her life interests included exploring other cultures, telling people's stories, and seeking truth and spirituality. She is survived by her mother, Alma Ward of Carefree, Arizona and Batesville, Arkansas; sister, Jeanette Thompson; brother-in-law, Patrick Thompson; and two nieces, Kimm Stewart (husband, Nathan) and Tracy Severson (husband, Courtney, children, Vivian, Margot, and Emory), all of Portland, Oregon. She is predeceased by her father, Ed Ward of Batesville. A memorial service will be held at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville at 3 p.m. Friday, June 9, 2017, with Bro. Rian Puckett officiating. Visitation is from 2-3 p.m. Friday, prior to the memorial service. Honorary pallbearers are her cousins whom she loved dearly. Sherry loved her adopted home in the Arizona desert, serving as a board volunteer and contributor for the Desert Foothills Library and supporting local community artists. A successful businesswoman and published author, she enjoyed international travel in her free time. She shared generously of her time, her assets, and her love for others, including family, friends, and many she had not met. She sponsored a young child in West Virginia throughout his school years, providing additional assistance so he could attend prom. She also funded survival items for people living in several third-world countries. She was an avid rock and gemstone hunter, and took great joy from her large collection of unique specimens gathered during many arduous hikes and annual attendance at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show. Sherry will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Heifer International, Donor Services, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or the Humane Society of Independence County, 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, Ark. 72501. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.