Gloria Louise Ward

gloria ward

June 23, 1954 ~ June 19, 2022

Born in: Bethesda, MD
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Memorial Tree Plantings

Asheville – Gloria Louise Kidd Ward, 67, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2022, at her home.

Mrs. Ward was born June 23, 1954, in Bethesda, MD to the late Kenneth Moulton Kidd and Sally Pearce Kidd. She was retired from the Accounts Receivable Department of CarePartners.

She is survived by her husband, Ron Ward; step-daughters, Angela Ruscinski (Lawrence) and Sarah Ward; step-son Roger Ward; grandchildren, Luke, Olivia and Noah Ruscinski and Abigail Ward. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Clarissa Ward. She is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth Kidd (Kathy) and Steven Kidd.

Gloria was loved dearly by all who knew her. Her sweet countenance was the first thing you noticed about her, but her twinkling eyes and laughter were a gift to behold. She was beautiful, vivacious, strong, and loving. She never had a negative thing to say about anyone, and would make your day better anytime you interacted with her. She made everyone feel special. She loved shopping and we will always treasure our adventures with her searching for the perfect outfit or top. Her sense of style was unmatched. She worked for many years at CarePartners and was a beloved and valued coworker by all who were blessed to work with her. She was a bright shining light and this world will be a little darker without her in it. Her spirit will live on through her husband and all of the people’s lives that she touched. Thank you lord for blessing this earth with a soul like Gloria’s and sharing her with us for the limited time that you did.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Groce Funeral Home, 856 Tunnel Road, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buncombe County Animal Shelter, 16 Forever Friends Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
—

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Gloria was my cousin and I knew her all my life. I remember being so excited when the station wagon from Maryland would pull up in my grandparents’ driveway. That meant Gloria had arrived!! The words written about her in this obit are spot-on. She was a pure joy to be around and her spirit was infectious. I know she is in Heaven surrounded by her mom, dad, my grandparents, my mama, Uncle Boyie, and many many others who loved her dearly.

    Reply

  3. I remember when this little girl was born, she was always happy. Beautiful inside and out. I hope you will be comforted with your memories.

    Reply

  4. I worked with Gloria at CarePartners. If it hadn’t have been for her support and friendship, I don’t think I would have been there and been happy as I was there. She supported and mentored me into being a good biller and an even better person. I will always remember her smile and positive outlook even when she was faced with any adversity. She was well loved and she loved well!

    Reply

    • Gloria was my stepmother and one of the kindest souls I knew. She loved and doted on my Dad daily. She never forgot a birthday, an anniversary and Christmas was her favorite. She purchased every gift and put so much thought into everything. I will miss her terribly and know that Heaven gained a true Angel. I love you Gloria

      Reply

  5. Gloria was my stepmother and one of the kindest souls I knew. She loved and doted on my Dad daily. She never forgot a birthday, an anniversary and Christmas was her favorite. She purchased every gift and put so much thought into everything. I will miss her terribly and know that Heaven gained a true Angel. I love you Gloria

    Reply

  6. Gloria was my step grandmother and was a true joy to be around. She would always take extra care of me when I stayed at her and Papaw’s. I remember one time when I was at her house outside on the front deck and I got stung by a wasp, which I am allergic to, right by my eye. Right when I walked back inside and Gloria saw my eye starting to get swollen, she brought me to the couch straight away and was right by my side for the rest of the day. I’m pretty sure she had a whole first aid kit by my side. At this point my eyes were huge, but she comforted me by playing with my hair which calmed me down. She was always so loving and considerate, always putting those she loved first. Every Christmas spent with her, I was spoiled with many gifts from her, and I know she took so much thought and care into each gift she gave me. She was truly a wonderful lady and I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with her.

    Reply

  7. My sister…. the first lesson in life, taught me how to ride a bicycle… and after running into the fence, gave me the second lesson, “on braking”…. Always wanting to show that a big sister knew all the answers. Gloria, you were there to hold me when I hurt and got me through those tough times. My life became emptier when you went away, I will miss you and always cherish our times we shared. I couldn’t ask for a better sister…..

    Reply

  8. Gloria was kind to all that met her. I remember the first time I met Gloria who was then to be my step-grandmother. She was the kindest woman to my grandfather Ron and put more effort into caring for him than she did her own self. She taught me the beauty of a simple smile and how it can change one’s entire perspective on life. Every time I was around Gloria, I couldn’t help but notice her own smile. Her beautiful memory will live inside my heart forever.

    Reply

  9. Gloria was a true gift from God that walked this earth. Heaven gained an Angel that is for sure. I have never met a brighter soul and fighter. She took me under her wing and treated me like I was hers. Anyone that came in contact with her would love her right off the bat. Fly high my friend until we meet again. Love you big!

    Reply

  10. Gloria and I were co-workers for many years. I watched her fight a valiant and courageous battle against cancer…twice. I watched her fall in love with Ron and his children…she loved hard. She was a kind and gentle soul, and fiercely loyal to her friends.
    Never, did she speak harshly of others. We should all aspire to model our lives as Gloria lived hers. I am profoundly sorry for your loss, know others share your grief. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time.

    Reply

  11. I will miss my dear sweet friend so much. Her loving and giving spirit, her thoughtfulness, her kindness to everyone, all before she thought about herself. Some days I would be sitting on my porch and she would zip in my driveway for a brief visit, lots of times with the sweetest gifts, just because she wanted to do something for you. There will never be another Gloria. We had plans to do things when she retired but time ran out. Will always love that sweet girl, the best neighbor and friend ever.

    Reply

  12. Ron
    We are so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you
    Rhonda and Bob McElrath

    Reply

  13. Gloria was my very best friend. We worked together for many years at CarePartners. She was the most loving the most giving person I have ever known. We went on so many adventures that included simple things and shared many laughs together. She was the ying to my yang, and her spirit was this bright shining light that even in death will never be extinguished. She had a way of making everyone around her feel special. If only more people were like her this world would be a much better place. Gloria you will be missed and I hope that each one of us carry your spirit and loving nature forward. Thank you for being exactly who you were and sharing your light with all of us. My BFF forever and always!

    Reply

  14. Gloria is the sweetest, loving and caring person I have ever met. I loved spending with her at family gatherings as her calming demeanor spilled over to me. She also made you feel loved. She was a great wife to my father in law Ron Ward Sr. and so perfectly matched and in love. Gloria, I will miss you. Thank you for being such a great person and for loving Angela, our children and myself.
    We will take care of Ron for you while you watch us from Gods kingdom.
    We have your soul remaining in our hearts and will be with you each day.
    Love always,
    Larry, Angela, Luke, Olivia, Noah❤️

    Reply

  15. I was blessed with the opportunity to work with Gloria at CarePartners. She was such a kind loving person, always with a smile on her face. She was one in a million, a true angel with a beautiful soul. May she rest in peace, may her family know she is now a healthy angel watching over them from Heaven as she did here on Earth, fly high sweet Gloria, you will be dearly missed. Love you ❤️

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide