Emma M. Ward

Emma M. Ward, age 76, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away at 6:15 AM on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Aperion Care in Galesburg, Illinois. She was born on July 8, 1943 in Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of John Frank and Alwilda Margaret Obenour Briles. Emma attended schools in the Keithsburg, Illinois area. She also received her high school diploma from the American School of Correspondence. On January 23, 1965, Emma married David Ross Ward at the Assembly of God Church in Beloit, Wisconsin and they later divorced. Emma worked many jobs; to include Normington Laundry and Dry Cleaning in Beloit, Wisconsin, Libby Frozen Food, Burless Battery Company, and the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa. She was a member of First Christian Church in Monmouth, Illinois. She lived in Keithsburg, Illinois and  Marshalltown, Iowa during the 1970s and 80s and then returned to Monmouth in 1982. Emma enjoyed riding her bike, reading her Bible, sewing, and listening to Christian Music. 

Emma is survived by three daughters; Sarah Morss of Abingdon, Illinois, Peggy Ward of Monmouth, Illinois, and Ruth Tyrrel of Helena, Montana, ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one sister, Phyllis Lucian of Beloit, Wisconsin, and two brothers; Frank Briles and Keithsburg, Illinois and Paul Briles of Macomb, Illinois. A number of nieces and nephews are also surviving. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Frances Abbadusky, and a number of aunts, uncles, and nephews.

A funeral service is planned for Emma will be at 10:30 AM Friday, August 16, 2019 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Interment will be in Monmouth Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established for "The Winner's Circle" radio ministry. 

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