Debra F. Ward, 59, died February 4, 2011, at Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis, Wichita.

She was born May 12, 1951, in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, the daughter of Edgar H. and Mildred V.Blair Stephens.

She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1969 and then McPherson School of Nursing. Debra was an LPN for 25 years working for the Hutchinson Correctional Facility for 15 years before retiring. She was a member of AMVETS and volunteered for AMVETS Bingo at the 1st and Washington Bingo Hall.

On March 23, 1972, she married Stephen E. Ward. He died October 9, 1997.

Survivors include; four children, son, Cash A. Ward of Hutchinson, daughter, Nicole M. Davis and husband Robert of South Hutchinson, son, Shane E. Ward of Hutchinson, and daughter, Julia D. Beshears and husband Mark of Hutchinson, brother, Jesse Stephens of California, sisters, Linda Strawn and Cynthia Williamson both of Hutchinson, sister, Colette Hawks of Nashville, Tennessee, brother, Christopher Stephens of Longwood, Florida, five grandchildren, Hagen Kaufman, Cheyanne Ward, Garrett Davis, Stormie Ward and Rowdy Ward.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother, Clayton Stephens.

Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Anita Crane presiding. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Inurnment will be in Halstead Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club or AMVETS, in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal message for Debra's family.