Vera M. Ward, 85 of Valparaiso passed away Monday, May 20, 2024. She was born November 22, 1938 in Winamac, IN to Kenneth and Roseanna (Rater) Kasten. Vera worked for 20 years as a respiratory therapist in the NICU at Porter Hospital. A member of the Calumet Crank Club and the Moose Lodge of Valparaiso, she enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises with her husband, William. Most of all, Vera loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
On August 25, 1956 in Denham, IN, Vera married William J. Ward who preceded her in death September 18, 2023. She is survived by her sons, W. Mark Ward and Kirk (Tammy) Ward; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and brothers, John and Dan Cooper. Vera was also preceded in death by her father, Ken Kasten; mother, Roseanna Cooper; daughter, Michelle Nightingale; and siblings, Tom Kasten and Betty Podell.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 4:00– 6:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Funeral Service beginning at 6:00 PM. Burial will take place on Tuesday, May 28th at 11:00 AM at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. Memorial donations may be made to Lurie Children’s Hospital Foundation.
GUESTBOOK
Prayers for comfort & strength to Vera’s beloved family & loved ones. Vera was a friend & the mother of my best friend, Michelle. I was privileged to work with both of them in the NICU. We shared a love of our work, & a high performance standard. The Ward family displayed an ethic of “work hard/play hard’, and they were able to make both fun. I enjoyed the time we spent together, & now cherish the memories. I am so very grateful to have known Vera & her family. What a lovely person! Enjoy your Homecoming, Vera. -Teresa McKiddy
Dear mark and Kirk, I so sorry to hear your mom past away, you have my deepest condolences. Love, -Carrie Tanner Mummert
