LINCOLN, NE – Jeannine R. Ward, 92, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska.  She was born April 11, 1931, to Harry Douglas Rake and Elsie Irene (Watwood) Rake in Rapid City, South Dakota.  She attended Rapid City High School and graduated in 1949.   During high school, Jeannine was a cheerleader and ultimately fell in love with a football player, Eugene Grant Ward.  They were married on June 24, 1950.  In her early years, she worked at the Elks Theater in downtown Rapid City and then as a telephone operator.

Later, the Wards had a baby girl, Marcie.  Eugene joined the United States Marine Corps and Jeannine was a dedicated mother and Marine wife.  She was always known to keep an immaculate home.  The two later settled in San Diego, California.  Many a fond road trip was taken back to Rapid City in the summers with their grandson, Derek.  They lived in San Diego until 1988 when they ultimately returned home to Rapid City.

She and Eugene were both active at Westminster Church and were some of the founding members.  She led Bible studies and developed many friendships there.  Jeannine was also active in coordinating Rapid City High Reunions even late into life.

Eugene passed away in 2019 just shortly before their 69th wedding anniversary.

Jeannine is survived by her daughter Marcie Ybanez (Roger), her grandson, Derek Asbury (Lisa), great-granddaughter, Madison Asbury, niece, Kim Rake, and her cousin, Arlyce Naeve.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Grant Ward, her brother, Milton Rake, and her parents,  Harry and Elsie Rake.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. to be held at Westminster Church in Rapid City.  Burial will take place privately at Black Hills National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.