Catherine “Kitty” Ward, 63

Published 3:38 pm Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Catherine “Kitty” Ward, born on August 26, 1961, in Batesville, AR, passed away alongside her husband, Tim Ward, on Feb. 24, 2025, in Sardis. A beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Kitty was known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family.

Memorial services honoring Kitty’s life will be held at the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home in Batesville, on Monday, March 10. A gathering will start at 3 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. Friends and family are invited to come together to celebrate the beautiful life of Kitty Ward, sharing stories and recalling the countless memories created.

Kitty spent several years as a blackjack and craps dealer at Sam’s Town Casino in Tunica, a place where she not only showcased her remarkable skills but also met the love of her life, her husband Timothy Lamar “Tim” Ward. Following her time in the casino, she dedicated herself to being a caregiver, embodying her nurturing spirit.

Family was Kitty’s greatest joy. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and was known for her passionate interests, which included watching “Little House on the Prairie,” fishing, reading romance novels, and shopping. Kitty’s laughter and lively spirit brought happiness to all those who knew her, and her ability to put others before herself made a lasting impact on her family and friends.

She leaves behind her son Buddy Allen Martin (Stacey) of Chandler, AZ; her step-children Aubrey Long (Forest) of Sarah,  Alyson Hamm (Stephen), Megan Price (Richard) of Como,  Wyatt Ward of Sarah,  Matthew Ward (McKenzie) of Plantersville,   along with her grandson, Ben Martin of Watertown, NY, step-grandchildren, Tristin Kovach, Eian Kovach, Tyler Gonzalez, Sarah Hamm, Katie Hamm, Connor Hamm, Zoe Long, and Lane Price. Kitty is also survived by her siblings, Cynthia Chesser of Strawberry, AR, and Lee Parrish of Strawberry, AR.

Kitty is preceded in death by her father, Stanford Eugene Parrish, and her mother, Ruby Catherine Miller Parrish.

Her legacy of love, kindness, and joy will always remain in the hearts of her family and friends, and she will be deeply missed.