Rozella Ward

Rozella Ward

Rozella Eloise Ward, age 97, of Mapleton, died December 17, 2025.
Funeral Service 11:00 a.m., December 29, 2025, at the United Church of Mapleton. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m., December 28 at the United Church and will continue one hour before the service. Interment will be in Medo Central Cemetery, rural Mapleton. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. www.mankatomortuary.com
Rozella was born June 21, 1928, to Albert H. and Amy V. (Peterson) Roth in Lake Crystal. Rozella graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1946 and attended Mankato Commercial College.
Rozella was united in marriage to Willis W. Ward on June 10, 1950, at the First United Methodist Churchin Lake Crystal. They moved to the Ward Family Farm outside of Mapleton.
Rozella’s love for farm life started as a young girl. She loved being outside and enjoyed milking cows with her dad. Once married she worked hand in hand with Willis planting, tilling, and harvesting. Together they raised their five sons. She enjoyed raising ducks, chickens, vegetable and flower gardens. She loved music and could pick up almost any instrument and play it. Playing the accordion and piano were her favorites. Rozella’s greatest joy was spending time with her family.
She was a longtime member of Medo Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and later the United Church of Mapleton.Rozella is survived by her husband of 75 years, Willis; three sons, Doug Ward, Ron (Shari) Ward, and Mark Ward; fourteen grandchildren, Dan (Anne) Ward, Christy Macho, Michelle Ward, Kate (Glen) Bruestle, Cory (Holly) Ward, Alesha Ward, Jesse (Emily) Ward, Nick (Tiffany) Ward, Janet (Brandon) Grunzke, Amber (Todd) Rasmussen, Paige Porter, Bryan (Molly) Ward, Kevin (Jennifer) Mosher, and Naomi Mosher; thirty five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; brother-in-law, Glen Samuelson; sister-in-law, Eleanor Roth; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Rozella was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Duane in 1981 and Rick in 1989; great granddaughter, Ava Barton; two brothers, John (Joan) Roth and Albert Roth Jr.; two sisters, Alberta Samuelson and Earlene (Al) Meier; daughter-in-law, Carol Ward.