Elizabeth L. Ward

Elizabeth L. “Beth” Ward, age 69 of Howland, passed away on July 5, 2025, following a courageous 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was the daughter of Robert F. and Betty J. Lehner, born December 6, 1955, in Kittanning, PA. Beth graduated from Kittanning High School in 1973 and graduated Cum Laude from Grove City College in 1977 with a BA degree in business administration. She met her one true love, Robert W. “Bob” Ward, at Grove City College and they were married on December 29, 1979, enjoying over 45 years of a great life together.

Beth’s working career spanned over 45 years with most of her time as a Certified Public Accountant at Hill, Barth and King. She spent the last 10 years working as the Controller for the Northeast Ohio Adoption Services (NOAS).

Beth was a very active member in the community. She was a founding member of the Howland Community Scholarships Foundation, a board member of NOAS, and the Chair for the Image Committee for the Regional Chamber Warren Area Council.

Additionally, being a CPA, she frequently was the treasurer for various local service organizations.

Beth was an avid golfer, shopper, traveler, and reader. She was a member of Avalon Golf and Country Club and heavily involved in the Chip and Putt League held at Tamer Win Golf and Country Club. Beth shared many fun rounds together with her golfing girls and with Bob as couples. Beth hosted Rotary exchange students from Chile and Slovakia as she herself was an exchange student in Sweden. Beth enjoyed expatriate living in Japan in 1991 and 1992.

She is survived by her husband Bob, brother Mark (Shiela) Lehner of Monroeville, PA and sister-in-law Mary (Todd) Kuramoto of Loveland, OH. Beth and Bob raised one wonderful child, Sarah (Eric) Ream of Milford, Ohio and received the blessing this year with their first grandchild, Archer Ream. Beth had five nieces and nephews and two grand nieces.

Friends and family may pay their respects to Beth from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren.

A funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, July 18, 2025, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE Warren, OH 44483.

 Burial will follow at the Howland Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beth’s name to NOAS, 5000 E. Market Street #26 Warren, OH 44484 and Howland Community Scholarships Foundation, 1055 Bayhill Dr. Warren, OH 44484.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth L. Ward, please visit our floral store.