Elizabeth "Betsie" J. Ward

Elizabeth J. “Betsie” Ward, age 66, of Winona, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Lake Winona Manor, surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 28, 1957, in Winona, to James Sr. and Mary (Porter) Ward.  Betsie attended St. John’s and St. Stan’s Grade Schools in Winona and was a 1976 graduate of Cotter High School.  Following high school, Betsie completed her degree in Cosmetology at the Winona Technical College, and she was employed as a beautician for 14 years with Spurgeon’s in Winona and then she owned and operated the Hair Pair Salon in Winona for 29 years until her retirement.

Betsie will be remembered as an excellent cook, and as a huge sports fan, she loved cheering for the Vikings and the Twins. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she was very involved with her many nieces and nephews, spoiling them every chance she had.   Betsie loved family game nights and making each holiday gathering special.  She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.

Betsie is lovingly survived by her brothers and sisters: James Ward, Jr., Crystal, MN; Susan Glenna, Winona; Daniel (JoAnne) Ward, Holmen, WI; Kathryn (Jeff, Sr.) Stier, Fountain City, WI; 3 nephews; 9 nieces; 16 great-nephews; 9 great-nieces; 3 great-great-nephews; 4 great-great-nieces; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Katie Ward; and a brother-in-law, Keary Glenna.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.   The Very Reverend Patrick Arens will officiate.

Betsie will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Heath Ward, Jeff Stier, Jr., Cody Hackett, Jody Niemeyer, Jason Lajter, Tanner Wangen, Robert Walker, Sr., and Chuck Rossin.

“It is what it is…I will be fine.”

Online condolences or memories may be left for Betsie’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.