Robert Pearle "Bob" Ward

     Robert Pearle "Bob" Ward, age 82, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at his home.

     A Celebration of his life will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 3:00-6:00 P.M.  Burial will take place at Elm Hall Cemetery at a later date.

     Robert was born in St. Louis, Michigan on December 4, 1940, the son of Robert and Hazel (Smith) Ward. Bob grew up in Riverdale and graduated from Alma High School with the class of 1959. Bob married Martha Jean Johnson on June 16, 1962 at the Ithaca Church of God.

    Bob owned and operated Ward's TV in Ithaca for twenty years- retiring in 2006. He enjoyed bike riding, kayaking, Gratiot County history and genealogy. Bob and Jean enjoyed traveling around Mid-Michigan to try new restaurants and attending events. He was a member of the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail and a member of the Lumbermen's Association.  

   He is survived by his wife Jean Ward of Ithaca, MI; children: Michelle and Karl Mueller of Springfield, VA, Julia Ward of Ithaca, MI; Robert and Yanyu Ward of Ithaca, MI;  grandchildren: Kara Mueller, Lida Mueller and Alida Ward, and brother Ralph and Marianne Ward of Riverdale, MI.  He is also survived by nieces and nephew: Debra, Ronald, Maud and Ada. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Richard Ward.

    Memorials may be made to Fred Meijer Heartland Trail or Gratiot County Commission on Aging. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.