Martha Armetta Ward

Martha Armetta (Harrell) Ward was born in Tulsa County, OK on November 24, 1916 to Russell & Lucy Leona (Litka) Harrell and passed from this life on March 4, 2015 in Ponca City, OK at the age of 98.

Armetta, as she was called by those close to her, started life on a farm located in what is now southeast Tulsa. Hers was not a life of ease, and it was there she developed an especially strong work ethic. This was a trait she shared with a young farm hand named Johnny Ward, the man who would become her dear husband. They moved to California, where they worked on various farms in the Imperial Valley agricultural district before moving to Los Angeles. They returned to Tulsa in 1960 to help care for their parents.

Armetta was deeply devoted to her family. She is best remembered as a most faithful and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and aunt. A well-practiced cook, Armetta enjoyed nothing more than preparing a special meal of fried chicken or tacos for those she cared about. The foods she served often came from her own garden, which she tended untiringly, harvesting, preserving and cooking a variety of flavorful crops.

A happy woman by choice, Armetta was known for her laughter. It was both the result of and a cause for deep and overflowing joy. Her contagious good humor was a reflection of her generous, big heart. A devoted daughter, caring sister and loving mother, she would open her home and table to family and friends without hesitation.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of sixty years, John Wesley Ward; and her brothers, Tyler Harrell, Robert Harrell, Richard Harrell and Russell Harrell her grandson Shan Whitlow and her great grandson, Haden Tunnell. She is survived by her son, Dennis Ward and his wife, Pat; her daughter, Carrie Powers; 8 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Martha will lie in state 10:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday and her funeral will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, both at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. A reception will held immediately following the graveside service at Aloft Tulsa, 6716 S. 104th E.Ave., Tulsa, OK.