Janet Elizabeth Todd Ward, 75, of Midlothian, Texas, passed away on May 6, 2025.

Janet was born November 28, 1949, at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, to James Albert Todd, Jr. and Reba Chisholm Todd. Janet, who moved frequently, was a true U.S. Air Force child. Before she entered the 9th grade, her father retired and the family returned to their roots in Magnolia, Arkansas. Janet loved Magnolia and called it her childhood home. Just 3 years after graduating from Magnolia High School, she earned a degree from Baylor University where she was a member of the Atheneum Club/ Kappa Kappa Gamma. After graduation, she began her teaching career. She was an inspirational teacher esteemed by her students and respected by her fellow teachers for her ability to encourage her students to love learning and math.

In 1975, Janet married the love of her life Ken Ward, moved to Ennis, Texas, and happily embraced her new role as a banker's wife and stepmom to three boys, whom she always called her sons. In Ennis, Janet created a beautiful home for her family. She taught elementary school and needlepoint classes, gardened, read books, belonged to a book club, traveled, and continued her love of music, which included being both a pianist and a volunteer organist for her church. Janet was also a very accomplished seamstress who took pride in making lined jackets and the vestments for St. Thomas Episcopal Church, which are still in use today.

After Ken's retirement, they moved to Cedar Hill, Texas, where Janet lived until after Ken's death in 2013. During the last years of her life, serious medical issues challenged Janet. Even though she ultimately had limited mobility and required nursing care, she frequently encouraged family and friends by stating how very content she was with her life. Her kindness, generosity of spirit, and ability to appreciate life continue to inspire those who were close to her.

Janet is preceded in death by her husband James Kenneth Ward, her parents Reba Chisholm Todd and James Albert Todd, Jr., and her brother James Albert Todd III.

She is survived by her sons Kevin Kenneth Ward and his wife Wendy Stone-Ward, Gregory Graves Ward, William Gary Ward, and grandson Nicklaus Gregory Ward, sister-in-law Elizabeth Todd, nieces Whitney Lyles and Kelsie Todd, and great niece Victoria Lyles.

In keeping with Janet's wishes, the family will gather privately to celebrate her life. We are grateful for your love, memories, and support during this time.