lleta Jane Ward, 73, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025.lleta was born in Abilene, Kansas on June 23, 1951, a daughter of Willametta Sheets and Edward Hoffman.
Ileta graduated from Chapman High School and later attended Salina Beauty Academy, where she received her cosmetology degree. She worked at different medical offices as a receptionist before she finally found her place as a receptionist for Dr. Gary Weiner. She was there for 26 years before retiring. Ileta recently enjoyed working at Lowe’s part time.Ileta and her husband, Darrell Ward, were married on June 16, 1979. They spent 42 years together before his passing in 2021.
In lleta's free time she loved being with her grandkids and attending their sporting events, along with traveling to different places and getting to experience new things. She also loved spending time outdoors with her dog Ozzy, or indoors sitting in her recliner while watching Hallmark movies.Survivors include her son, Brian Baldridge (Ame); daughter, Lisa Bunch; step son, Christopher Ward (Elizabeth); 7 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.
lleta is also survived by her sister, Joan Rider (Eddie); brother, Dwight Hoffman (Leslie); and sister-in-law's, Janice Hoffman, and Linda Hoffman.She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Darrell Ward; and brothers, Larry, Marvin, Lyle, Edwin.A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 2nd at Carlson - Geisendorf Funeral Home & Crematory in Salina, Kansas. Burial will follow at Navarre Cemetery in Navarre, Kansas.
Memorial donations may be made to the family in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.To send online condolences to the family, visit the funeral home website at www. carlsonfh.net, or on the Facebook page.