M. Yvonne Ward, 76, of Sayre, Pa., passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 19, 1935, in Sayre, Pa., the daughter of the late Malcolm and Margaret Mc- Cole Ellers.

Yvonne enjoyed spending time with her kids, grandkids, and friends. She enjoyed gardening and traveling. She worked numerous years for the Guthrie Health System holding various positions.

She is predeceased by her husband, Ralph Ward, Sr.; daughters, Susan Brewer, Nancy Kurtz, and Betty Lee; son, Ralph Ward, Jr.; grandchildren, Patrick and Jamie Kay Potts; brothers, Sonny Ellers, Russell Ellers, and Raymond Ellers; and sister, Lana Wolcott.

Yvonne is survived by her children, Becky Dietz (Fred Eccleston) of Waverly, N.Y., Tammy and Tom Reynolds of Sayre, Pa., Sis Campbell (Ed Hiley) of Sayre, Pa., Kim and Ken Bentley of South Waverly, Pa., Gregg and Linda Ward of Sayre, Pa., Kelly and Mike Miner of Sayre, Pa., and Brett Ward (Lori Searfoss) of Barton, N.Y.; 26 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; numerous great-great grandchildren; siblings Ronald (Joyce) Ellers, Joe (Doris) Ellers, Richard Ellers, Martha (Mike) Zepp, Dottie McCarty; a special sister-in-law, Gretchen Millard; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, Pa., with the Rev. James Donahoo from the Sayre Christian Church officiating.

Burial will be in the Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, Pa., at the convenience of the family.

For those unable to attend the services and are wishing to sign the E-guestbook, or condolences may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.