Clevetta M. Ward, age 90, of Clinton, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, following a brief illness. She was at her daughter’s home, surrounded by loving family, at the time of her death. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church in Fulton, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, at the Pape Funeral Home. A Beta Sigma Phi Sorority service will take place at 3:45 pm prior to the visitation. Cremation rites will follow the service, with burial at a later date in Erie Cemetery.
Clevetta was born in Clinton on November 25, 1935, the daughter of Clyde and Georgia (DeGrofft) Andrews. The eldest of six children, she began her life’s work of caring for others at an early age. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1953 and attended St. Ambrose School of Nursing, graduating in 1956. She was a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Clinton, with a reputation for hard work and dedication to excellence, retiring in 1997 after 40 years of service. Clevetta met Harold “Lefty” Ward, the love of her life, at age 17 while working as a waitress at Reynolds Restaurant. According to her, it was love at first sight. They were married on October 6, 1956, at St. Mary’s Rectory in Clinton and shared 66 beautiful years of marriage. Lefty passed away on June 28, 2023.
Clevetta was a civic-minded member of the Clinton community and spent her life dedicated to her family, friends, and volunteer work. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Clinton Women’s Club, Mercy Auxiliary, Tri-S, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she served as treasurer for 60 years. She volunteered her nursing services as a camp nurse at Camp Mis-Elk-Ton and with the Red Cross at community blood drives. She also served as a Girl Scout leader at Sacred Heart School for 20 years. A highly competitive and avid card player, she enjoyed playing bridge at the Corner Deli and hand and foot with friends and family. She also enjoyed bowling and ushering at the Clinton Showboat. Charitably inclined, she frequently donated to organizations such as St. Jude, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Food for the Poor. To her friends and family, she will be remembered for her fun-loving nature, sense of humor, quick wit, and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Clevetta is survived by three children: Dorothy (Mark Arlen) Anderson of Clinton; David Ward of Clinton; and Kenneth (Myra) Ward of Conover, North Carolina; nine grandchildren, Sarah, Brian, Luc, John, Leslie, Laura, Andrew, Taylor, and Shane; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lefty; a daughter, Theresa Soesbe; two granddaughters, Amanda and Allyson; two brothers, Clyde and Jack; and three sisters, Rose, Carol, and Sharon. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com..
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I am so very sorry to see this news. You all had a wonderful mother and she will be missed by many! I’m sure she was happy to be reunited with Harold!
So very sorry for your loss, Dave. She sounds like a remarkable woman.????♥️
I extend my deepest sympathy to Dave and all of the family. May you find peace and comfort in cherished memories of your mother.
I worked with Clevetta in skilled care. She was all business at work and we were understaffed many times. We got it all done and usually shared some laughter.The last time I ran into her was at Dr. Barakat’s farewell. May fond memories embrace all
We had just celebrated Clevetta Ward’s 90th birthday at a party in November, and did not see this coming. That’s how it goes, isn’t it? My Aunt Clevetta was more than an Aunt after my Mother passed away; she was my last connection to Mom’s life before I knew her. Aunt Clevetta was also my Tripoley and Hand & Foot (Canasta) opponent at times, my gambling partner, she threw me my first baby shower way back when, and she always brought the fun to all our vacations in Vegas, and even a cruise in the Caribbean. She even got us thrown out of a casino, and the Liberace Museum. We shared bottles of Bailey’s, which we added to our coffee; we both loved our coffee too. She never forgot my birthday or my anniversary. And we were pen pals, writing each other almost every month. Her most recent letter arrived just a week before her passing. I’ll never get to respond now, but I know she knew she was loved by me. She pumped me up when my health was failing; always knew when I needed a little holy help. Prayer cards would show up at just the right time too. My world is a little smaller today. I know there are many, my siblings, and cousins, who feel the same way right now. I pray they too remember the love, and gather strength from each other in the coming days. I prayed that her passing would be peaceful, and her faith would be rewarded, and that she is with all her loved ones who have gone before her. With continued faith, I believe we will see her again some day. Rest in peace, Aunt Beta.
MercyOne Auxiliary would like to extend our sincere sympathies.
deepest sympathy to the whole family but especially to Dorothy. Clevetta was an excellent nurse and dedicated worker at Mercy for many years. May you take comfort in your memories of a life well lived.