Edna Jean Ward, of Taylor Lake Village, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Webster, Texas at the age of 95.

Jean was born on February 16, 1930, in Newton Kansas, to James Arthur Allen and Edna Blanche Mayne Allen.

Jean lived 95 remarkable years and filled every one of them with laughter, sass, faith and resilience. She had an open-door policy that turned her home into a place where stories were swapped, jokes were told, and no one ever left without feeling welcomed. Known for her salty one-liners and quick wit, Jean taught us not to take life too seriously and to celebrate its ups and downs, with grace and humor.

A truly resilient and strong woman, Jean faced life’s hardest battles head-on — surviving colon cancer, breast cancer (twice), spinal issues, and heart problems. Each time, she came back with even more determination, more spunk, and more reasons to raise a glass at her favorite 5 o’clock happy hour.  Her toughest battles were the loss of her children and loved ones.

Rooted in the deep love of her Heavenly Father growing daily in her walk with Jesus Christ, Jean’s love for others overflowed. She so appreciated her years of membership at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and discipleship commitment at Living Word Church. Jean was a founding member of the Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group and the Pampered Pink Movement, encouraging countless women in their own journeys. She poured herself into small group Bible studies, served faithfully with church serve events, and stayed active in her Bunko group, Ponytail group, real estate circles, and numerous social gatherings. If there was a cause, a game, or a group of friends to rally around, Jean was there — sassy, salty, and smiling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her children’s father, Robert Block, her husband, Ralph Porter (Rip) Ward, life companion Mike Bunting, her children Kimberly Block Quinn and Kerry Allen Block as well as other loved ones.

Jean is survived by her son-in-law John Quinn and his family; her chosen son and daughter Brad and Cindy Heintz; her chosen step-son and daughter, Paul and Monica Bunting; her grandgirls Ella (Austin) Gift, Lilli Heintz, Tori (Austin) Bunting, Sydney Bunting and Haley (Kade) McGinty, Her Great-Grandchildren Kieran, Anastyn, Maddox and Paxton.

Jean is survived by her village of chosen sisters and brothers, sons and daughters.  She was blessed with such a large village, it would be a disservice to try to list them all.

The Quinn, Bunting and Heintz families would like to specifically thank those who served above and beyond in her last days especially Jean Ruland, Jill Hoose, Lynn Hagerman-Clearley, Gun Frame, Joni Faas, Maria Webster, to name a few.  We extend a special thank you to Home Helpers and At Your Side Care Services and numerous care givers.  We appreciated loving care of Jan, Cathy, Denise, and especially Kathy Colson and Mary Schwarz.

We wish to thank so many other dedicated friends who will carry forward her love of laughter, her fierce strength, and her joy in living every day to its fullest.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 2:00pm at Living Word Church of the Bay Area, 1111 Kirby Blvd, Taylor Lake Village, TX 77586 with Pastor Brad Heintz and Pastor Randy Miller officiating.

The interment will take place Friday, October 24, at 12:45pm, at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

• Pampered Pink – Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group PamperedPink.org
• Gloria Dei Lutheran Church – Comfort Dog Ministry GDLC.org
• Living Word Church – Parking Fund LWCBA.org

And in true Jean fashion, whenever someone told her, “I love you,” she always replied with a smile and her favorite words: “I love you better.” May those words echo in our hearts as we celebrate 95 fabulous years of her remarkable life.