Janice Colleen Ward , 89, of Columbia City, died peacefully at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Autumn Trace Assisted Living, Columbia City.

Colleen was born on April 5, 1934, in Larwill, Indiana. She was a daughter of the late Clinton M. and Lucile E. (Brown) Bohnstedt. Her formative years were spent in the Larwill area.

On June 25, 1950, she married Rex G. Ward. For 21 years, they made their home in Larwill with a year in Mishawaka and a year in West Branch, Iowa. In 1971, they moved to Columbia City. In 1994, the couple moved to Spring Hill, FL, but returned to Indiana later that year, living in Fort Wayne. Her husband of 46 years, Rex, died on June 28, 1996. In 2010, Colleen moved to Columbia City.

In addition to being a homemaker raising four children, she worked in the office at Weatherhead/Dana Columbia City for 12 years and then with Whitley County, Federal Employment Service administering CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) and JTPA (Job Training Partnership Act). She retired in February 1988.

Caring and concerned for others, she regularly wrote and sent cards of encouragement to family and friends. She enjoyed computer games, which kept her entertained when her mobility diminished. She was a member of First Church of God, Columbia City.

Surviving are her children, Christy (Fred) Shinneman of Columbia City, David Ward of Fort Wayne, Douglas (Barbie) Ward of Fremont, and Timothy (Kalene) Ward of Columbia City; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter and siblings, Richard Bohnstedt of Milford, Bonnie Michael of Gwynedd, PA and Carol (Dale) Thomas of Texas.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Ty Ward, a sister, Betty Goodrich, and a brother, Gene Bohnstedt.

The funeral service is at 11 a.m. Monday (November 13th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is beside her husband at the Lakeview Cemetery in Larwill. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the service Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Colleen's honor are to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.