Betty Sue Ward, age 78 a longtime Hammond resident passed away Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Whispering Pines Nursing Home in Valparaiso. She was born on March 25, 1933 in Marshall County, Alabama to the late John and Stella Galloway. She loved gardening and was known for her beautiful flowers. She always stood by to help her friends and neighbors when they needed her. Betty was a longtime member of the Woodmar Baptist Church in Hammond. She will be remembered by her family as a wonderful mother and grandmother who wrote stories for her family to enjoy.

She is survived by 8 children, Larry (Shonna) Ward of Gary, IN; Carol (Larry) Martin of Lake Station, IN; Diane (Daniel) McKern of Hammond, IN; Peggy Fusner of Hebron, IN; Nancy Kay (David) Butler of Lowell, IN; Susii Tremain of Pendleton, IN; Tami Prekas of Carmel, IN; Jeni (Jason Orndorf) Ward of Hammond, IN; 28 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild..

She was preceded in death by her son, Albert James Ward, 9 brothers and sisters, and a special friend, Daniel Kestner.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the family.

Funeral services are Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Winfield Chapel, 10909 Randolph St., Winfield/Crown Point, with Rev. Dennis Starkey officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville. Visitation is Wednesday, March 28, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Winfield Chapel. Call (219) 661-2600 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.