Winston W. Ward

Winston W. Ward, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at his home in Sanford, Michigan. The son of the late John H. and Lillian M. (Connor) Ward of Lansing, Winston was born in Mason, Michigan on September 20, 1931, and was raised and educated in the Lansing area. Winston proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Cone during the Korean Conflict, and as a Navy Seabee in his reserve unit many years later; he also served in the Army Reserve. Winston returned to work at General Motors until he retired in 1984 after 32 years of service. He was a member of U.A.W. Local 652 in Lansing.


Surviving is his loving wife of 11 years, Gayleen Grogan-Ward, whom he married on August 17, 2003 in Dimondale, Michigan; all of his treasured children and family, Susan M. Ward of Dimondale; John W. (Jody) Ward of Lansing; step-son, Jim (Kim) Cross of Sanford; step-daughter, Melissa (Steve) Ottjepka of Flat Rock; and grandchildren, Lyndsay (Ryan) Lawless; John M. Ward; and step-grandchildren, David, Julie & Olivia Cross, and Allison Ottjepka; his great-grandchildren, Britton & Ilan Lawless, and Arlington & Kayden Ward; his sister, Juanita Mansfield of Holt; sister-in-law, Dolores Ward of Lansing; and his many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Winston was also preceded in death by his brothers, Stan, Lyle & Dannie Ward; his sister, Gwen Hoover.


Winston dearly loved his family and he cherished each and every moment with them all. He was a kind, gentle, loving, patriotic and hard working Christian man who could build or repair anything he set his hands to. Always there to offer his help and support to family and friends whenever and wherever he was needed, his devotion to all and his clever wit and quiet sense of humor and strength of character were treasured by everyone who knew him.


A memorial celebration of Winston's life will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Mt. Hope Church, 202 S. Creyts Rd. in Lansing. Winston's family will receive friends at the service from 12:30 PM until the time of service. At a later date, interment of ashes and military honors will also be held for Winston at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Personal messages of condolence may also be offered to the family via www.wilson-miller.com. Arrangements are under the care of Wilson Miller Funeral Home.