Heather Ward

We are sad at the passing of our wife, mother, daughter, and sister Heather Elizabeth (Murphy) Ward but rejoice in the knowledge that she is in the arms of our Lord Jesus and we will see her again one day. Heather passed away peacefully on September 1, 2021 after a valiant fight with breast cancer since her diagnosis in October 2020. Heather was born on June 1, 1978, to Frederick and Cynthia (Burbridge) Murphy in Holland, Michigan. She attended schools in West Ottawa, Ludington, Jackson and Portage, Michigan. Heather was active in sports at Portage Central High School, class of 1996, where she excelled in volleyball. She went on to play volleyball for Bowling Green University in Ohio. Heather enjoyed the outdoors, running, and days at Lake Michigan with her children. She was a talented artist and loved to draw. Arts and crafts were a constant activity in their household. She was passionate about her children's education through home-schooling. Heather and her husband, Josh, attended high school together, reconnected after many years and married. They moved to Harrisburg, PA where their first son, Quinn Joshua age 9, was born. They returned to Holland, Michigan in 2016 where their second child, daughter Sawyer Elizabeth age 3, was born, then little Gracen David age 10 months, came along. Heather loved being a mother and was devoted to raising her kids. Heather was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Gordon and Martha Burbridge and paternal grandparents Robert and Maxine Murphy. She is survived by her loving husband, Joshua D. Ward, her children Quinn, Sawyer and Gracen, parents Fred and Cindy Murphy, sister Brooke Fitzharris (Ben), parents-in-law Robert and Maryanne Ward, sister-in-law Maryellen Metcalf (Russell), brother-in-law Scott Ward (Jenny); her many nieces and nephews: Madelynn, Caitlyn, Isaac, Ruth and John Fitzharris, Samuel, Isaac, and Miriam Metcalf, Joshua, Talon, Daisha, and Max Ward. She also leaves many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial service to celebrate Heather's life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1015 E 32nd St., Holland, MI 49423, on September 11th, 2021 at 11 AM. Friends may greet the family for visitation from 10 AM -11 AM. Food and refreshments will follow the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Holland. We are eternally grateful for the outpouring of support shown by Covenant Presbyterian Church and many family and friends.