Blanche Morrison Ward

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Jul 21st, 2014

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Death Date: Jul 21, 2014

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Biography: Blanche Morrison Ward 85, died July 21, 2014. What began at age 16 as a switchboard operator in 1946 in Dermott, Arkansas, became a life-long dedication for Blanche. Even her retirement in 1986 failed to dampen her affection and support for Southwestern Bell and then AT&T and all the people she mentored through the years. She rapidly moved up the career ladder becoming a Service Representative in 1957, then Business Office Supervisor in 1960. She was named manager in Morrilton and Conway for SWB in 1972 where in 1974, she was instrumental in ending the 8-party system and installed the first touch-tone phone in Conway. In 1978, she was the first woman named to the Conway Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In 1979, she moved back to Little Rock to become the District Staff Supervisor for Installment and Repair, breaking the glass ceiling for the women of Arkansas. She is remembered for her ?no-nonsense, no whining, get things done? style of management. Along with this approach, she was enormously protective and supportive of those she supervised, and many of them became her closest friends. To her last days, she was both appreciative and loyal to AT&T. She was a pioneer for women in management and for a lifestyle of women working and excelling outside of the home as well as inside. Her protective nature was even more evident when it came to family. Her two daughters, Peggy Davis Pryor (husband Cactus, deceased) of Austin, Texas and Patricia Davis Norris (husband Art) of Little Rock were at the heart of her being. Of course, their children were heirs to that devoted attention. Peggy?s son Stuart Davis Clark of Lampasas, Texas and Patricia?s two sons Jason Bulloch of Redfield and Joshua Bulloch (deceased) were treated to her endless affection and concern. She was overjoyed by her great-grandchildren. Stuart and wife Julie provided her with Kevin and Michael, and Jason and wife Kim brought Jessi Hall and Olivia Bulloch to her. Blanche was born in 1929 to Claude and Lovester Morrison in Dermott, AR. She was preceded in death by one brother, Windell Morrison (wife Sylvia) and one sister, Becky Davis (husband Cleo, also deceased) both of Dermott. She is survived by two sisters, Joyce Hall, (husband Randall) of Mablevale and Betty Lou Connard (husband Eugene) of Lake City and one brother, Larry Morrison (wife Wanda) of Rocky Face, Georgia. Blanche was married to: Dean Davis, the father of her daughters; Dee Hartwick; and Gerald Ward. During the years of marriage to Dean and after, the members of the Davis family became additional brothers and sisters to Blanche. Her love of family grew as it incorporated Dee?s and Gerald?s families. Gerald?s sons Joe Ward (wife Diane) of Conway, Jerry Don Ward, deceased, (wife Sharon) of Damascus; Tracy Ward, deceased, (wife Patricia) of Russellville all became dear to her as did their combined 8 children and 9 grandchildren. Blanche was endowed with a sense of JOY that could not be defeated. She had a very strong drive for hard work and accomplishment, but it was also enormously important to have fun. She had an infectious laugh, and her humor was often directed at herself. Her joy was contagious, and life was easier and more enjoyable around her. She lived as she believed: hard work, fun, honesty, fair treatment. Summing words, among others, are: dedicated, loyal, fun, joyous, protective, confident, aware, loving. The world is a better place because of Blanche. Her family and friends will celebrate her long after her passing and this time of mourning. There are no words to express adequately the gratitude the family holds for her loving caregivers. Blanche was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. To honor that, the family requests no flowers but rather memorial donations to either the Democratic Party of Arkansas, 1300 West Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201, www.arkdems.org or Hospice Homecare at 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72116. There will be a visitation at Ruebel Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. and a funeral service Wednesday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham, Little Rock, followed by interment at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Hwy 64 East, Conway. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(31)

Alice & Delton Treadway

#31

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Peggy and Trisha we were so sorry to see where you lost your sweet mother. She hired me as your baby sitter about 57 years ago when you lived on Pine Street. Would loved to have been there but circumstances did not let us. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Treasure your sweet memories. Love you both so very much then and always will!

Patti Roy

#30

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sympathy to Ms Wards family. I had the pleasure of knowing her for several years as one of her bankers. She was a very kind and caring woman. She will be greatly missed.

lee parker

#29

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Judge, so sorry to learn that Blanch has died.
There are no words which I can say that will remove the deep sense of loss in your life, but the love of family, friends, church, and community can go a long way to ease the grieving process.
Those of us who grew up with Blanch know and appreciate the person that she was. We will have another empty seat at our reunions but we will always remember the bright, infectious smile!
I'm still not sure about that big catfish...

Meredith and Serge Brethé

#28

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

What a remarkable woman, by every account and by the fact that her daughter Peggy is such an honor to know. There must be many lovely and fine qualities shared in the family. We are thinking of you all and wish you much comfort.

Gayle Browning

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dearest Joyce, my sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of your family. Praying for our Heavenly Father's comfort as you deal with the loss of your beloved sister, Blanche.

Billy George and Jean West

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Jean and I are so sory that we will be unable to attend either the visitation or funeral Service for Aunt Blanche. Our Prayers and thoughts are with all of the members of the family especially Peggy Dean and Patricia. May the Grace of God be with you now and in the lonely days in the immediate future. May the service be comforting and helpful to each one of you is our sincere prayer. Our love goes out to each one of you at this special time.

Deanna Hartwick Brewer

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I have such fond memories with Aunt Blanche. Love and miss you!

samantha rodriguez

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I enjoyed every moment I got to care for Mrs ward and sad to hear about her passing. ..gonna miss her big blue eyes!! Lots of love

Barbara Miller

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I didn't know Blanche but do know her daughter, Peggy, well. She must have been a great mom to have raised a smart, compassionate woman like Peggy. I'm sending blessings, love and peace to all the family.
Barbara Miller

Susan Gill

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

God has a wonderful new angel! I was lucky enough to have her touch my heart. God bless this loving family.

Victoria Woods

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Blanche and my husband, Ben Woods worked together and we're very good friends. In March, 1983 I flew to St Louis to marry Ben and Blanche was one of Ben's friends to welcome me upon my arrival. We were married for 30 years until his death last October 9th, 2013. Blanche was a wonderful lady. I'm so sorry for your loss but hopefully all the SWT employee's who went through the horrors of giving Conway and central Arkansas phone service are having a grand reunion.

Kerry and Larry Guthrie

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Blanche was one of our favorite people, and we loved her dearly. She made the best homemade soup I've ever tasted! She made us laugh and was always so fun to be with. We will miss her and will always smile when we think of her.
Our deepest sympathies to the family.

Mack McCoy

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Blanche was a powerful, hard-working, gifted management employee of Southwestern Bell. She was the kind of employee whom subordinates, fellow workers and bosses all respected.

No doubt, many employees benefitted from the association and encouragement of Blanche. She was a true leader in personnel development and in the creation of opportunities for the advancement of women at Southwestern Bell.

My sincerest condolences to the family and many friends of Blanche Morrison Ward.

Thea Spatz

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Peggy & Stuart, Trish & Art,
I read about your mother's death in the papers, The Log Cabin AND the Democrat-Gazette. I am sorry. I will see you tomorrow
at the funeral service.
Much love,
Thea
(Chris is out of town, or he would be there too.)

Linda Aaker and Bob Armstrong

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Peggy, I rmember the stories you told me about your mother's strength in raising you and your sister. You have that strength too, and your mother was so proud of you. All your Austin friends are sending prayers for you and your family. Love, Linda and Bob

Kathy Sangster

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Blanche Morrison Ward is alive in Peggy's heart and so I hold her in my heart as well. My love to Peggy and Trish and family. Kathy

Doris and Steve Davis

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

When mom was called about Aunt Blanche, a sadness filled our house for a short time. Mom (aunt Doris) and I began reminiscing and remembering so many wonderful memories. Mom still remembers them all and we are both saddened by the loss and wanted Peggy and Trish to know how much we love you. Unable to be present at these family gatherings is a hard thing, but know we are there with you thru prayer and much much love.
Doris and Steve Davis

Donnie Fred West

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I have many fond memories of Aunt Blanche. She was always kind and understanding to me. She was like a second mother.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Peggy and Trish
and all the family. You are in our prayers and
thoughts.

Don and Jo Ann West

Ed Allis

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Blanche was just good people. She was instrumental in Southwestern Bell hiring me in 1976. It became a lifelong career.

Patti Powell

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

When my mom and dad died in Idaho both obituaries suggested donations to the Idaho Democratic Party, which is tiny. When I read your mom's obituary I wished I could have known her--she reminded me of my mom--and I HAD to donate to the Arkansas Democratic Party. May your memories bring you sweet peace and lots of laughter.

Betty Adams

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To the family of Blanche Ward:
The Little Rock Life Member Council/AT&T Pioneers send their collective condlences. May you all be comforted by God's love, and your own memories.

Betje & Paul Klier, Thresher & Martelle, Sam, Brie, Hudson

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To Peggy & Trish and your families, Although it was sad to hear of your mom's passing, reflecting on her gracious ways and that beautiful smile brought me joy as I reminisced with Telle & Thresher. How beautiful the circle of devotion you had for each other, surrounding her with love to the end---could one ask for more from life or from death? We send our love along with our admiration for the unselfish caring bond you created through your mother and around her. Betje & family

Becky Corder

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I did not know Blanche but knowing her daughter Peggy, I know that she was a special person to pass along all the wonderful traits that her daughters and grandchildren share with the rest of us. She died knowing that her family was there for her and loving her throughout the process. Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this time of celebration of her life and her love for you.

Sheila Robinson Crisler

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Aunt Blanche oh how you were loved by the Robinson and Hartwick family. You had the most beautiful smile which made everyone around you smile back because no one could resist your bubbling personality. Our hearts are heavy but we still manage to smile just thinking about you. You will be deeply missed and we are feeling the emptiness your family must be going through. My mother, Audrey has so many memories of you and will cherish your friendship and love forever. Our hearts go out to your daughters and their families as well as her sisters and brother. You will always be a part of our lives and we will always remember when.

Melvin and Becky Hall

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Joyce, Mel and I were so sad to hear of Blanche's passing, she was truly a wonderful woman and always greeted us with an energetic hug and expression of love. She will truly be missed but the world is a better place because she was here. Love and prayers to all during this difficult time.

Merily & Tom Keller

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our condolences to Peggy and Trish and your family. We know your mother was a great woman as she had great daughters! Out thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sandy Hood

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

How do I began to express the love I have for this family. Blanche was so dear to me Trisha and Peggy are so special.
I have such wonderful memories of Blanche and will always remember the good times we all have had.

Bobby and I want to express our deepest sympathy to both of you and all of Blanche's family.

Harry Bradley

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To Peggy and her family. We are thinking of you. Your friends, really your family, at 909 navasota share and feel with you at this time. We are your special "hiding place" where you go for comfort and meditation and support. We will see you when you come home to austin. You are part of us. Be safe. Be strong. Harry, Debbie, Felicia, HEB, Will, Jason, Carlos, and Julian.....and Scout.

Jean Jackson

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Blanche was a dear friend of mine We were classmates all of our lives and I loved her dearly. the family is in my prayers.

Sharon Ward; Alan & Julie Carmichael; Blake, Chasity & Faith Ward

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Blanche was truly one-of-a-kind! We are so thankful for her life and what she meant to Papa Gerald and all of us. She loved us as her own and that has always meant so much to each of us. We had so many great times out at the lake house. I know for me as a little girl, it was a lot more pleasurable to go to Papa's house after he and Blanche got married, #1 the food was amazing and you could eat it, #2, as a granddaughter, she took special interest in taking us shopping on our summer visit or something we would enjoy. She and Papa were a pair, and definitely were better together, than apart. Trish and Peggy and families, I know the love and devotion you had for your mother was immeasurable, and she the same for you two and your sweet families. We are all lifting you up in special prayer during the days ahead asking God to comfort you as only He can. Love and hugs always, Julie

Mike and Laura Tyson

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our condolences to all of Blanche's family and especially to Peggy, Stuart, and Julie our close friends. May God be with all the family and bring you peace and comfort as you go through this time of loss.

Blanche Morrison Ward

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