Obituary of Clara Elizabeth Ince Ward

Clara Elizabeth Ince Ward left this earthly plane to be with God and her husband of 74 years, Jim, on December 14, 2023. She was born September 30, 1919 to Eva Smith and Henry W. Ince, Sr. in Colorado but was raised in Texas. When she was 19, she met and married Jim Ward. After WWII, they went to Surinam for a few years on a government contract. Then they were transferred to Washington, D.C. After her daughter was old enough to attend school, Clara became a federal employee and eventually retired as a GS13. She was a highly respected negotiator for the Marine Corps as a contracting officer.

While working, she was also active in the Martha Washington Chapter #42 of the Order of Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron and the Colorado state representative at Grand Convention in Virginia. After retirement, she volunteered as a docent at Stratford Hall on the Eastern Shore of Virginia; worked during tax season for H & R Block; and traveled extensively all over the world with her husband. She had a rich and varied life full of wonderful stories. All her life she has been an ardent gardener. Clara and Jim moved to On Top of the World in 1991 and they were always happy with the move. They were active in the Southern Club and she was active in the Texas Connection.

Clara will be missed by her many friends, her daughter, Linda Ward Byrd, her nephews, Don and Renee Ince, Bob and Carla Ince. Andy and Marie Ince, her niece, Carolyn and John Ament and her little rescue dog, Buddy. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, and was always an inspiration to those who knew her.

Funeral arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home. Burial at Bushnell National Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, TimberRidge, 9695 SW 110th St, Ocala, at 11:00 am on January 16, 2024 with a meal at El Mezcal to follow. We can all lift a glass of our favorite beverage in a toast to Clara. You know she’ll be there in spirit with a margarita!

Donations in lieu of flowers to Church of the Advent, 11251 SW Hwy 484, Dunnellon, FL 34432