Elizabeth Louise Benson Ward

Visitation will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Auburn, Alabama at 11:00 am on Monday, March 3, 2025 followed by a 12:00 pm Funeral Mass officiated by Rev. Msgr. Michael Farmer and Graveside Burial at Town Creek Cemetery, Auburn, AL.  Elizabeth (Bette) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the late Lawrence Everett Benson and Florence Elizabeth Benson.  Along with her two older brothers, the late Lawrence Omer Benson and Richard Warren Benson, the family settled in Houston, TX.

It was in Houston that Bette attended St. Ann Catholic School and Lamar High School.  Her teen years in Houston involved clubs, sports teams and becoming the Homecoming Queen.  Being rooted in Texas, Bette attended Amarillo College and then began her career in Houston with Gulf Oil Company. 

Bette fancied Texas as her home state throughout her life, and it was probably that fancy that took her to Bandera, TX, well known in the 50s for its Dude Ranches complimented by riverside camps, restaurants, dance halls, and rodeos.  This (Cowboy Capital of the World) is where she met Robert Ashurst Ward, quickly fell in love, and married a short time later.

Bette became an Air Force wife traveling across the country and living in assigned military bases.  They began their family in Charleston, SC, then relocated to Harlingen, TX, the Philippines Islands, Lakewood, CA and completing their military life in Boston, MA.  After retiring from the Air Force, they moved to Montgomery, AL and eventually retired in Auburn, AL.  Bette was a wonderful homemaker and one of her biggest joys was raising her seven children.  Bette enjoyed being the decorator for Bob Ward Custom Homes and had a wonderful ability to bring the new homeowners vision to reality.  Bette was involved in many church, civic, community, and social organizations throughout her time as a military wife and homemaker.  She cherished her family and often told her children “a mother’s job is to love”.  Bette was a devout Catholic and lived her life of selfless love and devotion to her faith and family.

Elizabeth Louise Ward was a beautiful soul.  She left her earthly home on February 23rd, 2025 and was surrounded by her family, caregivers, and friends.  It was a beautiful, peaceful passing.  Bette lived her life full of joy, love, forgiveness, compassion, integrity, and honor.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert Ashurst Ward and grandson Jared Straughn.  She is survived by her children George Michael Ward (Deloris), Mark Everett Ward, Robert Mitchell Ward, Matthew Ashurst Ward, Melinda Louise Towery (Glen), Michelle Ward Saville (Lin) and Maxwell Benson Ward (Katherine).  Granmommy was greatly loved and cherished by all her grandchildren Don Norrell (Myrtle), Justin Shaner, Jessica Straughn (Zach), Benjamin Ward, Nicholas Ward, Brandon Ward (Ashley) James Ward, Johnathon Ward, Matthew Hayden Ward, Kristen Daughety (Ray), Trey Saville, Laura Beth Edwards (Sam), Mareth Saville, Andrew Ward (Sara Grace), Michael Towery, Maggie Ward, Mandy Murchison (Boomer), Mallie Saville, Sam Towery (Amanda), Rob Saville, and Madi Saville along with her great grandchildren Amber Whittaker (Shawn), Joshua Norrell (McKenna), Mia Straughn, Julian Straughn, Addison Hadaway, Alden Hadaway, AJ Wasserman, Jack Wasserman, David Whittaker, Bryce Ward, Weston Joseph Daughety, Walker Lee Ward, Ann Marie Daughety, Eleanor Grace Ward, Parks Dewey Murchison, James Robert Towery, Waylon Cole Daughety, and Elizabeth Alva Edwards.  She was beloved throughout her life by many extended family members including nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to St. Michael’s Catholic School in Auburn, AL, local Alzheimer’s Support Group, or your favorite charity.

Bette would brighten up a room with her joy, love, and laughter and will be truly missed.  She was a tremendous blessing to so many lives she touched.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bette’s grandsons.  The family would like to pass along our love and heartfelt appreciation to Mom’s caregivers for the love and amazing care they gave to Mom and to Expect Care Hospice along with Saint Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for their love and care.