Macon Elizabeth (Smith) Ward

Macon Elizabeth Ward, 91, of Palmyra, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Palmyra.

Born in Athens, Alabama, Macon was the daughter of the late Clarence and Effie Pearl Smith of Louisville, Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Gene Ward; her cherished granddaughter, Beth McFarland; and her parents.

Macon dedicated her life to the service of her family, whom she loved deeply and faithfully. She is survived by her sons, Stephen (Susan) Ward of Crestwood, Kentucky; Glen (Rita) Ward of Georgetown, Indiana; and Greg (Polly) Ward of New Albany, Indiana; and her daughter, Saundra (Bill) Bottom of Palmyra, Indiana.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Phillip, Matthew, Samuel, Daniel, and Dylan Ward, and James Wilson; great-grandchildren Courtney Chi, Kamren Ward, Landon Ward, and Hannah Ward; and one great-great-granddaughter, Scarlet. Macon is also survived by her sister, Shirley Myers of Louisville, Kentucky; her sister-in-law, Mercedes Ward of Owensboro, Kentucky; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Macon worked for many years before retiring from the Federal Census Bureau in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and, at the time of her passing, was a faithful member of the Pekin Church of Christ. Macon was a beautiful soul with a meek and quiet spirit. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially reading and gardening. Later in life, she pursued painting, and examples of her artwork will be displayed at her funeral service.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Love Funeral Home in Palmyra, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. the same day, officiated by Dr. Jeremy Goen and Jim Mickells. A private entombment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bristol Hospice for their wonderful care, compassion, and support during this time. Their kindness and dedication meant so much to Macon and her loved ones.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Macon Elizabeth (Smith) Ward, please visit our floral store.