Wilma Jean (Palmer) Ward was born on July 21, 1925 in Cartersville, Oklahoma to Peter Choctaw Palmer and Rosa Bell (Green) Palmer. Wilma passed from this life on December 2, 2009 at the age of 84 years 4 months 11 days in Blue Ridge, Texas.

After marriage Wilma and Jiggs lived in Leonard, Bixby, Sand Springs, Tulsa and Inola. In 2003 Wilma was diagnosed with a major stroke, since that time she and Jiggs have been cared for by their son Dewayne and Nancy Ward in Mannford, Inola, Green Tree Assisted Living in Sand Springs. In July 2008 and after numerous falls, broken hips, etc. Wilma and Jiggs went under Tranquility Hospice care until October 10th, 2009 when she went to Blue Ridge, Texas to stay with her baby boy Jimmy Don & wife Pam. American Hospice took over her health care requirements until her she took her last breath. Her daughter Jeanette, whom was very physically limited was so faithful in her Monday afternoon visits to insure she was doing OK and provide any needs she could possibly give. While Jiggs was serving in WWI I, Wilma worked at Douglas Aircraft as a "Rosie the Riveter". During the hard times she also took in ironings, cleaned houses, buildings to earn additional income for the family. During Jiggs 8 months captivity as a P.O.W. in Germany she kept her faith, prayed often and never gave up that he would return home some day. After all the kids were gone from home she worked at Yale Cleaners for many years. She was a member of Hale Baptist Church for many years. She loved going places and doing things. She will be remembered as a woman that was true to God, family & friends. Her home and heart were always available for someone with needs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, 5 sisters and one grandson, Gary. She was married for 67 years to Millard "Jiggs" Ward on September 8, 1942 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Jiggs was deceased on June 28, 2009.

She is survived by daughter Jeanette Burns and husband Ronnie of Claremore, Okla. 2 sons; Dewayne and Nancy Ward of Mannford, Oklahoma; Jimmy Don and Pam Ward of Blue Ridge Texas; a special daughter Josette Atkinson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 5 grandchildren; Stephanie Cobb, Mike Burns, Jackie Ward, Jimmy Don Ward Jr., and Kelly Ward; 13 great-grandchildren; Wade, Kelsey, Whitney, Westley, Ashley, Amber, Michaela, Jacklyn, Kaycee, Lane, Kailey, Skyler, and Kelton, Josettes children; Bre, Ashley, and Nicholas, 1 Great-great-granddaughter; Chloe and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.