Shirley Ann Acker Ward, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. She fought a long battle with cancer. Born in Reading, PA on June 6, 1947, she was the daughter of Elmer and Emma Acker. Shirley was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a Methodist minister who loved and cared for everyone, even those that were not always accepting of her and her position as a minister. Shirley loved to go to the beach with friends and family and really loved sunsets. She loved laughing, was very humorous and an amazing storyteller.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 49 years, Richard Ward; sons, Michael Ward and wife Heather Stevens, Mark Ward and wife Leidy Rojas Carreno; grandchildren, Cadence, Laura, Carver, and Lillian; faithful companions, Max and Zeva.