Catherine Ann Ward

Catherine Ann “Cathy” Ward, 49, of Topeka, died May 17, 2011 at Homestead Assisted Living.

She was born January 26, 1962 in Sabetha the daughter of Ben and Mary (Banks) Strathman.

She was an active participant for the past nine years in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, serving as team captain during eight of those years.  As she battled cancer, she continued to work towards her degree and was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.  In 2009 she graduated from Washburn University receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.  Cathy was a staff accountant for Myers and Stauffer, L.C.

Cathy married Jim “Coyote” Ward on November 18, 2000 at the Governor’s Row House in Topeka, he survives.  Other survivors include her mother, Mary Strathman of Sabetha, eight brothers, James of Valley Falls, Bill (Tami) of Sabetha, Wayne (Sharon) of Kansas City, MO, Ed (Lynette) of Bern, Gerry (Lori) of Bern, Dean (Thelma) of Sabetha, Jeff (Cyndi) of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Chris (Melissa) of Galva, KS one sister, Ruth (Ray) Lopez of Cañon City, CO, mother-in-law, Louise Ward of Topeka, her very special nieces and nephews, Tony, Jon (Amy), Matt (Danielle), Ken, Dan, Chad (Becky), Jesse (Brittany), Tim, Heather, Derek, Saige, Ashlyn, Nate, Noah, Josie, Avery, Cade and two great nephews, Tucker and Cooper along with many, many, relatives and friends.

She was cremated.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27th at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Inurnment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for all the loving care and support extended to Cathy and her family, to Dr. Hurwitz, the staff at St. Francis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Midland Hospice Care, Homestead Assisted Living and Myers & Stuffer, L.C.

In lieu of flowers, Cathy’s wishes were for contributions to be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for life in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.