Judith Ward

Ward, Judith (Judy), 81, died on September 2, 2024. Preceded in death by her husband Robert R.G. Ward. Born in Centerville, IA on September 17, 1942, to parents Elwin “Bus” and Mary Louise (Mitchell) Muntz, she was a resident of Glenview, IL. and formerly of Green Valley, AZ, Evanston, IL, Winnetka, IL and Keokuk, IA. She is survived by her daughters, Maren (Kip Dooley), Christine (John Kardaras) and Katherine (Joshua Bartholomew); grandchildren Alice, Owen and Clark Bartholomew; brothers, Alan (Donna) and Lee (Deb) Muntz, and many chosen family. 

Judy lost her mom, Mary Louise, at the young age of 6 and went to live with her Grandparents in Bonaparte, IA. She shared many memories from this time over the years including that she had fallen in love with a lamb as a child that she carried around like a pet. After her father remarried Edna, Judy went to live in Keokuk where she attended high school. She maintained friends from this era and returned many times for the reunions which were always a great joy. 

Judy went to Lindenwood College and received an undergraduate degree continuing on to the University of Chicago for a Masters of Art in Teaching where she met her future husband Bob. Judy taught high school English in Palatine, IL for four years until one day she learned from a note left in her school mailbox that her 2 year old daughter Marnie was in the hospital with a dislocated shoulder. This prompted her to leave teaching for full time parenting. After ushering Marnie, Christy and Katie through elementary school, Judy started working as a preschool teacher at Willow Wood Preschool. This led to a mid-life career in early childhood with a second Master’s from National Louis University in Early Childhood Education. She also served as director of The Total Child Center and Unity Preschool. 

She and Bob spent ten glorious years together in retirement in Quail Creek, AZ. After Bob died, Judy moved to Glenview. During this time, Judy enjoyed adult education classes, and nourished her deep love of books, travel, public television, theater, music and, of course, her grandchildren! She used her early childhood experience to provide significant help to daughter Katie in her first years as a parent. Her grandchildren loved her Magic Carpet and felt board story telling as her own children had growing up.

As Judy navigated living with Alzheimers she moved into Belmont Village where she enjoyed celebrity status for her beaming smile that radiated until the end. With much support from devoted daughter Christy, she continued to enjoy many concerts at Ravinia, movies with popcorn, and visits from friends and families. 

A memorial service in her honor will take place at 4pm, Tuesday, September 17th at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Children’s Center of Cicero/Berwyn or Minneapolis-based zAmya Theater Project.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.