Sandra D. “Sandy” Ward, 72 of Taylorville, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Rose Garden of Pana.  She was born on January 24, 1954, in Taylorville, the daughter of William E. and Ruby Pearl (Irwin) Lawyer.  She married Nicholas R. Ward on November 10, 1972, in Edinburg, and he preceded her in death on January 5, 2019.  Sandy was a devoted member of Hopewell Baptist Church, where she faithfully served through her involvement with Vacation Bible School and as a church reporter. She dedicated 24 years of her life to educating children as an elementary school teacher with the Taylorville School District and continued to make a difference by tutoring students. Sandy was active in her community as a member of PTA and through her volunteer work at Loving Arms Crisis Pregnancy Center. She enjoyed many special memories bowling in a women’s league with her mother and participating in a mixed bowling league with her husband, Nick. Sandy found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, including flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, quilting, and baking. She loved to travel and proudly visited all 48 contiguous United States and seven Canadian Provinces. Her many interests included attending horse races at the fair, solving crossword puzzles, camping, fishing, dancing, swimming, watching movies, walking her beloved dog Maggie, and staying active as a member of the YMCA. Through her faith, dedication to others, and love for family, friends, and community, Sandy touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her sons: Scott Ward (Heather) of Taylorville and Jared Ward (Stephanie) of Pana; grandchildren: Quintin Michael Ward of Taylorville, Sophia Marie Ward of Taylorville, Bryce Allen Ward of Puxico, Missouri, Seth Allen Ward of Chatham, and Christine Louise Criswell of Pana.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son: Adam J. Ward; and brothers: Jim Lawyer and Richard Lawyer. 

A funeral service for Sandy will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Pastor John Largent officiating.  The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service and burial will be in Anderson Cemetery in Palmer.  Memorials may be made to the Hopewell Baptist Church.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.