Ronald L. Ward 

September 5, 1938 – September 21, 2026

Ronald Leon Ward, of Novi, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on September 5, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at Oklahoma City General Hospital. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and Woodrow Ward, and his brother, Richard Ward.

Ronald was a devoted Catholic whose faith was at the center of his life. Baptized as an infant, he remained an active and dedicated member of the Catholic Church for more than 85 years. His commitment to his faith was expressed not only through worship, but through decades of service, teaching, music, fellowship, and evangelization.

Ronald shared 44 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Elvera Julia “Judy” Ward, who was a cherished companion throughout his life. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, and their commitment to others.

Throughout his life, Ronald served in numerous leadership and ministry roles within the Archdiocese of Detroit and various parishes. His service included working with Young Christian Workers at St. Joseph Parish in Oklahoma City, serving as a catechist at St. Patrick Parish in Oklahoma City and St. Gerald Parish in Farmington, Michigan, and serving on Archdiocesan Synods in 1969 and 2016. He helped organize and administer the finances for the first Parish Council at St. Damian Parish in Westland and later served on the Parish Council at Holy Family Parish in Novi.

At St. Gerald Parish, Ronald served as Director of Folk Music for five years. At Holy Family Parish, he chaired and directed the Growing in Faith Together (GIFT) small-group faith formation program for 14 years. He also directed the Agape' Singers, a Catholic singing group that brought music and fellowship to senior living communities throughout the greater Novi area for 11 years.

Music remained an important part of Ronald's life. He was a member of his church choir under the direction of Glenn Porzadek for more than 43 years. Whether through music, teaching, or conversation, Ronald had a genuine desire to share his faith and encourage others in their own relationship with God.

Ronald was also an author and educator. He wrote How You Can Find God in Your Rearview Mirror, which was sold and distributed in more than 5,000 copies between 2015 and 2024. He developed and facilitated workshops for catechists and teachers focused on evangelizing the parents of religious education students through their children. Among the materials he developed were “God's Ten Rules for Living and Loving Each Other,” “A Disciple's Prayer,” and “My Personal Prayer List.” He also served as Executive Director of the Live to Love All Ministry.

Professionally, Ronald enjoyed a long and varied career. He began his career with Ford Motor Company, where he progressed from Mail Clerk to Sales Manager for Florida in 13 years. He later served as General Manager of Perkins Diesel Engines for three years and as Vice President of Aftermarket Sales and Distribution for Abex Corporation for four years. Ronald then spent 35 years with Ronald L. Ward & Associates, Inc., working as a Business Growth Specialist.

Ronald valued education throughout his life. He earned a degree in Mathematics from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, in 1961. He completed master's degree work at the University of Oklahoma in Norman and earned a graduate certificate from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1981.

Above all, Ronald was proud of his family. He was a proud father to Daniel (Leslie) Ward, Elizabeth Ward, Mary (Charlie) Gilliland, Vincent Ward, and Valerie (John) Hetkowski, and a proud stepfather to Gregory Taylor, Julianne (Dean) Giachino and Daniel (Lori) Taylor. He cherished his role as a grandfather to John Hetkowski, Hunter Taylor, Jenna Giachino, Adam Giachino, Siena Spitzig, Tucker Gilliland, Taylor Gilliland, David and Sarah Ward.

Outside of his work and ministry, Ronald enjoyed being an avid golfer and fisherman. He especially treasured spending time with his grandchildren and embracing the many opportunities life gave him to share his faith, his friendship, and his love of Jesus.

Ronald's life was defined by a deep and enduring faith and a desire to live as an evangelizer and disciple. He devoted much of his life to helping others find God, grow in their faith, and discover the love of Jesus. His influence will continue through his wife, children, grandchildren, family, friends, parish communities, and countless people he encountered throughout his life.

Ronald was a current and active member of St. James Catholic Church in Novi.

Visitation will be held at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Rosary beginning at 7:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church in Novi on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with visitation from 11:00 am until the Mass begins at 11:30 am. Ronald will be laid to rest at St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

Donations in memory of Ronald can be made to the Father Solanus Casey Center.