Obituaries

Barbara Leann Ward, 90, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Rosedale Green in Covington, KY. Born and raised in Ashland, KY, Leann later made her home in Mt. Washington, OH, Ft. Thomas, KY, then Cold Spring, KY, where she and her beloved husband, Jack, built a life together for 56 years.

A devoted wife, mother, granny, and great-granny, Leann dedicated her life to helping others. She was a proud Registered Nurse, serving at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, Speers Hospital in Dayton, KY, St. Luke Hospital in Fort Thomas, KY, eventually retiring after 25 years as a school nurse for the St. Bernard-Elmwood Place City School District.

Her care-giving and compassion extended beyond her professional life—she was an active member of St. Thomas Church in Fort Thomas, KY where she served faithfully as Chair of the Bereavement Committee for many years.

Leann touched so many lives. Her beautiful smile and crystal blue eyes embraced you with a depth of love and compassion that went beyond a simple hello. Whether it was an award-winning meal, a ride to church or doctor’s appointment, or any type of assistance she could provide, Leann always put others first. Her endless acts of kindness were a modest reflection of her love and selflessness that she lived on a day-to-day basis. The countless memories she has created for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends will be treasured for a lifetime.

Leann was preceded in death by her husband, John Michael “Jack” Ward, her parents, Harry Boone and Eva Louise (Neekamp) Nicholson Sr., stepmother Zeris (Martin) Nicholson, and sisters Peggy Nicholson and Marie Nicholson Gossett Hissam.

Leann is survived by her six children: Michael (Carol) Ward, Jeanne (Dave) Riggs, Greg (Mary Beth) Ward, Cathy (Dave) Schwer, Ann (Pat) Greely, and Tricia (Scott) Corder; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; brother Harry Boone (Kathie) Nicholson, Jr.; sister Pam Nicholson (the late Terry) Rose.

Visitation will be held from 8:30–9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 21st at Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home in Fort Thomas. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Church. Leann will be laid to rest at St. Stephen Cemetery, Fort Thomas. Reception to follow in the undercroft at St. Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the National Aphasia Association (aphasia.org) or Rosedale Green, 4250 Glenn Avenue, Covington, KY 41015 (in memory of Leann Ward).