Ethel M. Ward

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Ethel Mae Ward (Arnold) passed away at age 92 on January 9th 2025 in her daughter’s home surrounded by her family. Ethel was born in Detroit in 1932, the youngest of three children to Jennie Arnold (Dempsey) and Everett Stanley Arnold. She was married to Russell Ward in 1950, and they remained married for 40 years until his passing. They raised two children together, Marilyn Schmidt, and Russell Ward Jr. While raising her children and caring for the household, she learned to drive in her 30s. Prior to this, she used the bus systems and taxis to do the shopping and take her children to their appointments, doing what she needed to care for her family. She was a Christian woman, but more than that, she lived what she preached. She and Russell opened their home and gave up their room to both her mother and her mother-in-law, and when her son, Russ, had a stroke later in life, she cared for him in her home as well. She stayed with her daughter on weekdays when her grand-daughter, Amanda, was young so that she never needed day care. Her grand-daughter, and all of her friends, called her Muga — a nickname she used with pride for 30 years. After the passing of her husband, she stayed in her home in Pinckney and maintained her independence. She volunteered consistently — delivering for Meals on Wheels for many years. When she was no longer physically able to do this, she started making greeting cards for use by Meals on Wheels. The seniors were always thrilled to see her and were so thankful for her time and kindness. She was active in several areas of church, with her favorite being the Sewing Circle. Ethel had a special love for her family and friends. Her oldest treasured friendship was with Louise Bloetscher, which she maintained until her passing, was one of more than 50 years. She was artistic and talented in many areas, and she lovingly passed on this knowledge to anyone who wished to learn. She taught her grand-daughter to crochet, sew, embroider, and cross-stitch, and did so with the utmost patience. These memories and her creations will be treasured by her family forever. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell Ward; her son, Russell Ward Jr.; and her siblings Mary Ellen Arnold and Robert Arnold. She is survived by her daughter Marilyn Ward Schmidt; her son-in-law Jerome Schmidt; and grand-daughter Amanda Schmidt. Also, survived by Step-grandchildren: JoAnna and Tad Dennis and Carrie Schmidt. And by Step-greatgrandchildren: Christopher Schmidt-Towers, Gabe Francisco, Aubrie and Emmie Dennis. A visitation will be held for Ethel at Mandziuk & Son Funeral Home in Sterling Heights from 5-8 pm on January 17 2025, and a memorial will be held at the same location at 10 AM on January 18 2025. Following the memorial, the family invites friends and family to join them for lunch at Hamlin Pub on Rochester Road/Hamlin. The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, to please consider donating to the Michigan Humane Society in Ethel’s honor at https://give.michiganhumane.org.

Ethel M. Ward

January 20, 1932 - January 9, 2025