Jean “Kay” Katherine Ward (McColl) of Hope, Arkansas was born on October 13, 1950, and gained her wings on December 21, 2023, as a result of complications of a heart attack. Kay is survived by husband Gary Ward of Hope, Arkansas, son William Joshua Thompson of Lancaster, Texas, son Steven & daughter in law Ember Thompson of Forney, Texas, and stepdaughter Jacey and stepson in law Stacey Zuniga of Austin, Texas, grandchildren Katelyn, Christopher, Terah, Tate, Torin, Truston, Truett, Van, and Bear, sisters Susan Abrams of Edmond, Oklahoma and Diane Hiser of Crandall, Texas, and many extended family and friends she loved dearly. Kay was preceded in death by parents Gene McColl and Pauline Leffel. An artist at heart, Kay was beautiful to her very core, and saw the world in a way that reflected that beauty. She had a unique gift to create amazing works of art with just about anything. She painted, created abstract sculptures, was a photographer, enjoyed digital art, and very much loved to capture moments spontaneously. Kay was a woman who stood up for what’s right, cared deeply for people, could make you smile with a touch of sass, and loved her family and friends fiercely. More than anything, Kay was a passionate person and loving wife and mother. She will forever be missed.
A memorial service will be held in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donation to charitable causes benefitting women or those with autism.
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