Claudia Grace (Karshner) Ward

Claudia Grace (Karshner) Ward, 76, sailed out of our view early on Monday morning, January 24, 2022. There was much rejoicing on the other side as she was welcomed into Heaven by our Lord and received her new body that allowed her to finally walk and run again without pain. She was greeted by those who went before her: her mom and dad; aunt, Joyce Taylor; brother, Nelson Jr.; her grandchildren who were born into Heaven, Camden and Ellie; and her faithful companions, Zorro and Zoe.

Claudia was born on October 24, 1945, in Ross County, Ohio, to Nelson and Goldie (Waits) Karshner. She was the oldest of five children, who include Nelson Jr., Ernie (Holly) Karshner, Clara (Ronnie) Adams; and Cindy (Jack) Waltz. She married Gary Wayne Ward on December 13, 1969, who survives. She began working at Sears right out of high school. She retired from Sears after 35 years of service. She will be missed everyday by her daughters, Leah (Jason) Chamberlain and Gwen (Travis) Grubb. She will be remembered by her grandchildren, who admired her so much for her strength and determination: Logan, Bishop, Dilan (Grace), Kyia and Preston Chamberlain, and Ashlyn (Dalton), Lincoln, and Laramie Grubb. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who she loved.

Before her illness, Claudia loved decorating her home, working in her yard, and birdwatching (especially hummingbirds). She also enjoyed genealogy, playing Angry Birds, and watching reruns of Gunsmoke. She will always be remembered as a fighter and will forever be our inspiration to never give up no matter how tough things become.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 29 at 1:00 p.m. at the HILL FUNERAL HOME, Kingston, with Rev. Bruce Viar officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from noon until the time of the service at Hill's. Burial will take place in Londonderry Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Claudia's honor to Ohio's Hospice of Central Ohio (410 W. 10th Ave (7th Floor), Columbus, OH 43210) or Ross County Humane Society (2308 Lick Run Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601). Condolences can be made on Claudia's online guest registry at www.hillfhkingston.com.