Glenda S. Ward, age 65, of Cassville, Missouri, passed away Monday, October 27, 2008, in her home.

She was born April 14, 1943, in Cassville, the daughter of William M. "Bill" and Virginia Ruth (Sparkman) Ward, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her brother, Bryant Ward and his wife, Julie, of Shell Knob, Missouri, and her two "JOYS", nephew, Andy and niece, Natalie, who were more like grandchildren, and many friends.

Glenda earned her high school diploma at Cassville, a B.A. degree from Drury College, an M.A. degree from the University of Arkansas, and additional post-graduate work at the University of Missouri. Her teaching career spanned forty years, working on both the high school and college level. It is estimated she coached or directed more than 2,000 students in various speech, theatre, and debate activities. Just as Glenda never let her physical disability deter her from her goals, she instilled the same "I Can" spirit and philosophy in all her "speech kids." She has a wall of plaques and awards for her achievements, but nothing pleased her more than to hear from a former student that she had been a "help" in their life.

She taught locally in the Cassville, Purdy and Southwest at Washburn School systems. She was a member of Cassville First Baptist Church since the early 1950s and was a member of many speech, theatre, and educational organizations. Glenda was a life-long Democrat, serving several local, district, and state party positions. In recent years, Glenda was most active in Barry County D.A.R.E., Inc., Cassville High School Alumni Association, Scholarship Programs, Bridge Club, and GFWC Silver Leaf Benefit Club.

Funeral services were held Thursday, October 30, 2008, in Cassville First Baptist Church under direction of Fohn Funeral Home, Cassville. Reverend Jeff Gibson conducted the services. Burial was at Washburn Prairie Cemetery, Washburn, Missouri.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday in the church.Contributions may be made to Barry County D.A.R.E., Inc. in memory of Glenda. They may be sent %Captain Dana Kammerlohr at the Barry County Sheriff's Office or left at the funeral home.