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Rosemary Ward born June 12, 1946, in Hiawatha, Kansas, died a peaceful death of natural causes at her daughter's home in Maumelle, Arkansas, surrounded by loving family on 4/24/24.

Rosemary is survived by 4 siblings, 3 children, and 9 grandchildren.  Survivors include brother David and wife Phyllis Shannon of Hamlin, KS, brother Scott and wife Marty Shannon of Kansas City, MO, sister Shelly and husband Bill Lucero of Topeka Ks, brother Jonathan Shannon of Hamlin KS, son Robert Ward of Smithville, MO with his wife Amy, and their 2 children Lucas and Roy, son John Ward of St. Francisville, LA and his children with Nancy,  Elena, Naveen, and Jack, daughter Becky Ellison of Maumelle AR, with her husband Brent and their children Daniel Jose, Kayla, Dekon and Drake. Rosemary was a loving mom and grandma to her family.

She graduated salutatorian from Hamlin High School in 1964 and went on to receive her Bachelors from Grace Bible Institute and Nursing Diploma from Stormont Vail. Rosemary retired from Hiawatha Community Hospital in 2011. She spent the last portion of her 40 year medical career as an OB nurse. Her favorite part of delivering babies was to "watch the joy in the dad's faces".

She taught her children the importance of the church and the Lord; as well as, taught many children about Jesus in Sunday School class at Hamlin Baptist Church. She enjoyed attending Supper Club and supported Midland Ministries. She was known for her wonderful pies, cakes and fabulous fried chicken. She loved to play games and watch movies with her family. No one could beat her at "Go Fish".  A favorite quote of hers was " You can't praise God and be upset at the same time…so it's better to praise God."  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her and her kind-hearted smile will be forever remembered.

She was preceded in death by her parents Forrest Madison and Mary Alice Johnson Shannon

A celebration of Rosemary's eternal life is planned for 11 a.m. Monday April 29, 2024, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  A nurses honor ceremony will be provided by NWMO/NEKS Nurses Honor Guard. Burial will follow at Hamlin Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends from 9 until 11 a.m. prior to services Monday.

Donations in memory of Rosemary can be sent to God's Mountain Ministries at God's Mountain, 1407 Sparta Rd. Faucett, MO 64448 or http://www.godsmountainministries.org use donate tab.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com