Catherine Lucille Ward

Catherine Lucille Ward, 92, of Du Quoin, passed away at 11:55 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2015 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

Catherine worked as a secretary at P.R. Mallory in Du Quoin and a secretary to the late Senator Ralph Dunn, where she also served the Republican Party as Chair Woman. In later years she worked at Mums in Pinckneyville. She was also a member of the Sunfield United Methodist Church.

She was born Nov. 21, 1922 at Du Quoin, the daughter of George W. and Rachel (Bailey) Eaton.

She married Perry Ray Ward in Sunfield on July 17, 1946 and he preceded her in death on April 21, 2001.

After many years of working and after her husband passed away she was reunited with her childhood sweetheart Jack Winthrop. She and Jack relocated to his home in Allen, Texas where they lived until Jack's Death on Dec. 3, 2011. Catherine then returned to her home on Bailey Lane in Sunfield. Her most recent stays were between Fairview Rehab in Du Quoin and the hospitals, as her health began to fail. Catherine loved her God, her Church and her family. Her pup 'Baby Jacks' was her best buddy. Catherine is survived by two nieces - Judith Helsley (Charles) of Sunfield and Rachel Schrader of Carterville, one nephew - Peter Eaton of Glen Carbon, many great and great-great nieces and nephews, many cousins, also Nancy, Janet and the rest of Jacks family.

Even though Catherine had no children she had many who loved her.

Catherine was preceded in death by parents, husband, two brothers - Joseph H. Eaton and James O. Eaton, two sisters - Dorothy Owsianny and Georgia Fiantaco, one niece - Ellen Lay and her beloved Jack Winthrop.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Erin E. Totten officiating.

Friends may call from noon until the time of service on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015 and the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to Sunfield Methodist Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.