Dorothy Ward, 94, of Barnesville, PA, passed away Tuesday, October 31st, at St Luke's Hospital, Coaldale. Dorothy was born in Mahanoy City, on May 28th, 1929, a daughter of the late Lily (Holland) and William Hughes. She graduated from Mahanoy City High School in 1947 at the top of her class, and attended Drexel University. Instead of continuing her education, she decided to return to town to marry her sweetheart, Thomas Ward.

During the 1960's she worked as a reporter for the Record American newspaper of Mahanoy City.  Dorothy was a former member of the Zion Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, treasurer, and lay speaker. Later, she became a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Her many activities included serving as a volunteer for the Mahanoy City Adult Outreach Center, and membership in Mahanoy City Woman's Club, Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce, Mahanoy Alumni Association, Coal Crackers Red Hat Society, Citizens Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and Mahanoy Area Historical Society. She was an avid baker, and crocheted numerous afghans that she gave away to family and friends.

Dorothy's life was all about giving back to others.  She never hesitated to help those in need with a kind word as well as tangible assistance.  Years ago, she was involved in a program called "The Box Project", in which she was paired with a needy family in Mississippi, with whom she bonded for many years, sending boxes of essentials and food.

Shortly before her death, with her family by her side, she was able to share that she was with God and could see family members and friends who had passed on before her. She was able to relate, with awe, what she saw and experienced, giving comfort to her children, who were with her at the time.

Dorothy was wife of the late Thomas William Ward.

She is survived by three daughters, Peggy Ward-Coombe, wife of Paul Coombe, New Boston, Carol Ward-Colasante, Pine Grove, and Barbara Ward, East Fallowfield; grandchildren  Thomas Ward III and his wife, Megan, Barnesville; great-grandchildren, Thomas Ward and Jilyan and Jianna Seddon; nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by a son Thomas and a granddaughter, Jennifer Ward.

Funeral Service at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. , Mahanoy City, PA, at 11 AM on Monday, November 20th,  with Rev Craig Zimmerman officiating.

Friends and family may call Monday 9 to 11 AM at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. .

Interment to follow the service at the Family German Protestant Cemetery, Mahanoy City, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, care of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church, Mahanoy City.