ELSIE MAE KEEN WARD, 79 years of age of Grundy, VA, passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at her home following an extended illness. She was a devoted wife of 64 years; a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed gardening and cooking. She was a member of Tookland Pentecostal Church and devoted Christian who so enjoyed serving the Lord and taking care of others.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alden Ward; parents John Oliver and Vertie Mullins Keen. Two children, Swanson Donald Ward and Stanley Gary Ward. Two sisters, Opal Pearl Mullins and Gertrude Mullins. Two brothers, Lennis Keen and Dennis Keen.

Elsie is survived by three children; one daughter, Joyce and husband Tom Neff of Newport News, VA; two sons, Calvin Ward of Grundy and Ertley (Eardie) and wife Veronica Ward of Dismal, VA. One daughter-in-law, Janice and husband Jay Rife of Grundy. Two sisters, Betty Prater and Lois Mullins, both of Fenton, MI. Three brothers, Eulis Keen and Von Keen both of Grundy and Bruce Keen of Christiansburg, VA. Seven grandchildren: Kaye Rife, Anita Hossfeld, Angelia and husband Greg McClanahan, Celeste Ward, Miranda Ward, Jared Campbell, John and wife Lariza Rife. Seven great-grandchildren: Tanner Baldwin, Ethan McClanahan, Lindsey and Lauren Hossfeld; and Victoria, Ainsley and Sydney Rife.

Funeral Services for ELSIE MAE KEEN WARD will be conducted Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Ministers: Troy Street, Hobert Kennedy and Carl Sensabaugh officiating with burial following in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, VA.

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Friday evening at 6:00 P.M. with services at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be Greg McClanahan, Brannon Mullins, Jared Campbell, John Rife, Tim Herring, Jay Rife and great-grandson Tanner Baldwin.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Amedisys Home Health, Tina Compton, David Compton, Buford Keene, Billie Jean Keene, Rev. Glen Wilson, Dr. Jose Velasquez, Debra Ramey, Doris Parks, Freda Elswick and Ella Kelly.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com