ATHENS — Betty Ann Ward, 79, of Greenville Junction, passed away Sunday, March 11, at Tissues Country Estate, Athens, where she had been a resident for the past five years.

She was born June 4, 1938, in Greenville Junction, the daughter of Havelock and Annie May (Beck) Ward. She attended Greenville schools and graduated Class of 1956. Her love in school was basketball. She was a great player even though she was short; she made up for this lack of height with her speed. Betty was all over the floor and made many baskets for her team.

She lived in Greenville Junction all her life until her time at Tissues Country Estate. After graduation she went to work for Phyllis Raye as a store clerk at what was then Breton’s Store. After a few years she went down the road to Monson to work at Moosehead Manufacturing for 20 years. She retired at the age of 62.

Betty was on the local bowling teams and loved every minute of it. She was a fun, loving person and was kind to everyone. Betty became the last rock of the Ward family and she was there for all of them. She was the youngest of 15 children.

Betty loved to garden, work outside her home and to pick strawberries by the baskets full and share them around. Her pride and joy was all her family, and her home which was always well kept with beautiful flowers.

She was predeceased by her parents; sisters Florence, Stella, Julia and Tina; half-sister, Maude; brothers Russell, Johnny, Milton, Arthur and Merle; half-brothers Cecil and Victor; two infant siblings; and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Betty leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews to carry on the Ward family pride and she loved all of them dearly.

The family wishes to thank Tissues Country Estate and Maine General Hospice Care for taking such great care of Betty. You all made her feel like she was home and she loved being there and cared for all the staff and residents. Peace be with you all.

Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.

Betty Ann Ward