Lois J. Ward, 77, of Chillicothe, passed at 10:13 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 in the Adena Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.

She was born March 26, 1949, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to the late Willard Sr. and Joan Donley Purtee.

Surviving are a son, Peter (Nisha) Ward, of Powell; a grandson, Sage Ward, of Powell; a brother, Steve (Debra) Purtee, of Portsmouth; sisters, Pamela (Bill) Allen, of Portsmouth, Hope Arthur, of Portsmouth, Sharon (John) Fraley, of Georgetown, KY and Sandy Luther, of Chillicothe; a sister-in-law, Klaire Purtee, of Portsmouth; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Amos E. Ward and brothers, Willard Purtee, Jr. and Richard Thomas Purtee.

Lois had worked at the former Heartland Nursing Home as the Activities Director.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.

You may sign her online register at warefh.com