Micaela Lynn Ross-Ward

Micaela Lynn Ross-Ward

Micaela Lynn Ross-Ward, 43, of Lee’s Summit, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at her home.

She was born Jan. 27, 1969, in Festus, daughter of James F. Ross and Suzanne (Brown). On Oct. 23, 1999, in Sedalia, she was married to Jerry D. Ward.

Micaela was baptized as a child at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in DeSoto. She was a 1987 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Central Missouri.She was the director of community living for Community Living Opportunities in Shawnee Mission, Kan. Working with the developmentally disabled was her passion in life. Her family meant everything to her, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed making her home a welcoming place for all.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry D. Ward, of the home; her father, Jim Ross, of Festus; her mother, Suzanne Taylor, and husband, Greg, of Sedalia; her children, Meigan Hufft, of Gardner, Kan., Jerod Ward, of Lee’s Summit; her grandchildren, Bella, Lauren and Mason; her brother, Travis C. Ross, of Sedalia; her step-brother, Zachary Taylor; her niece, Madison; and her nephews, Brooks and Austin.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Fred and Bessie Ross, Fred E. and Berniece O. Brown, and Herb and Lois Taylor.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Heckart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Chad McMullin officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kendra Fraser-Paulakovich, Susan King, and the Community Living Opportunities staff.

The family will receive friends during a time of food and fellowship following the service in the Heckart Family Center.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Community Living Opportunities, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be offered at www.heckartfuneralhome.com.