Etta Marie Ward

Etta Ward ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria on Mar. 4, 2026.Etta Marie Ward, 96, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Panama City Beach, Florida. Born May 31, 1929, in Peoria, IL, daughter of James and Etta (Simkins) McAllister. She married Robert Joseph Ward I on February 22, 1947, at St. John's Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2013.Etta is survived by one daughter, Jill E. (Jeffrey L.) Potts of Panama City Beach, FL, 6 grandchildren, Rob Ward III, Eric Ward, Jason Hawksworth, Justin Hawksworth, Kerissa Ward, and Jamie Ward, 14 great grandchildren, 8 great greatgrandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her father (James McAllister), her mother (Etta McAllister) two sons (Robert J. Ward II, Randall A. Ward), one granddaughter (Amanda J. Ward) and 1 great grandson (Brian Ward), 1 great granddaughter (Kayla Gordon), 3 brothers, 3 sisters and a lifelong friend, Carole Brooks.Etta helped raise three generations of children and was always there for anyone that needed help, family, or friends. We often joked, if you had a relative or animal you didn't want, drop them off on her doorstep and she would take them in. She liked to sew, crochet, color, and do puzzles, but most of all talk. She made friends wherever she went.Visitation will be held at Wright & Salmon Mortuary on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 10:00 am until time of funeral services at 11:00 am. Father Greg Jozefiak will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria.Preferred memorials in Etta's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share Etta's memorial page via social media.Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441)To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.