Mary Juanita Bingham Ward, 93, born December 6, 1920, of Sparta, Missouri died April 10, 2014 in Springfield, Missouri surrounded by her loving family and a great cloud of witnesses. She was the only child and was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Merle Bingham. Her husband Jim Ward passed 30 years ago and her son Tom Ward, died too young. Her Sisters-in-law Helen Garton and Ruth Shook also preceded her in death. She is survived by four daughters and their spouses Linda and Bob Davis, Jamie and Tim Walker, Marilyn and Dan Barnes, and Nancy and Ki Weems. Eight grandchildren Rashell Clothier and Evan, Robby Davis, Clint Davis and Tracie, Ryan Davis, Darlene Avery and Barry, Carolyn (Hawk) Siler, Bill Hawk and Samantha, Andrea (Barnes) Taylor and Lonnie. Four Great-Grandchildren Jenna and Elle Clothier, Christopher and Jack Davis, Bryan Hawk and Samantha, Dorian Russell. One Great-Great grandchild Jaxson Hawk. Brother-in-law Bill Shook, nieces Cindy Shook, Loree Cox and family, and Jan Pederson and family. Additionally, several cousins and friends that she loved including her dear friend Martha Williams. Her life of faith and undoubting spirit was strongly influenced by her Mother Merle, Grandmother Eva Roberts, and Aunt Grace Beamon. She brought her husband to God as her Mother did for her husband. Mom’s priority was serving God and loving her church family. Mom studied various Bible topics and would ask questions in Bible study. She was open to the true meanings of the Word and was not tied to traditions. She especially delighted in her new church family at East Sunshine church and Deron Smith’s sermons. Mary had many interest through her life. When she was 5 years old, she traveled to Jefferson City to recite a poem about Ozark on the radio. This made her the youngest person to speak on the radio. She majored in music at Teacher’s College where she played piano and often accompanied and fell in love with Jim Ward. She was first Violin in the college orchestra. She enjoyed attending music performances by any of her kids and attending the symphony. She had a great alto voice and enjoyed singing in church. She had a great sense of humor and often was the “straight man” for Dad’s jokes. She loved to travel and have outings with her fellow young at heart widows and her girls. Mary was very generous but she often did it anonymously giving the Glory to God.Mary’s strong faith in the face of extreme losses is an example to her family and others. She lived by the Word and especially loved to quote Proverbs 3:5-7 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all you ways acknowledges him and he will direct your paths.” She loved the Lord and was ready to go home. She will be greatly missed here for that example of faith, her clear expression of love to her family, and as a friend you could talk to about anything and to go places with you, she was always ready to go. Her lifelong dream was to see that all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great grandchild and their spouses know Jesus.Visitation will be Sunday, April 13th 2 to 4 p.m. at Greenlawn South. A celebration of her life will be held at East Sunshine Church of Christ, Monday, April 14th at 3 p.m. If desired send donations to East Sunshine Church, Uganda well missions, 3721 E. Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65809.