CHAMPAIGN, IL-  Marsha Jean Ward, 71, of Champaign passed away peacefully on Thursday (Nov. 15, 2018) at her home in Champaign.

Marsha was born August 17, 1947 in Urbana, IL, the only daughter of Marshall and Fran Simmons.  She was married to Jerry Johnson at the time of her passing and those two shared a wonderful life together for 31 years.

She is survived by her husband, two sons, Timothy(Cynthia) Ward of Urbana and William(Susan) Ward of Tolono, and two step sons, Bryce(Roseana) Johnson of Savoy, Jason(Judy) Johnson of Mahomet, two brothers, Ronnie(Andrea) Simmons of Dewey and Kenny(Ella) Simmons of Champaign.  She was blessed with five grandchildren whom she loved and adored, Aidan and Jacob Ward, Taryn, Preston and Ian Johnson.

She was welcomed home by those that preceded her in death, which include her first husband Ron Ward, three brothers, Scott Simmons, Gene Simmons and Dennis Simmons, a daughter Trina Sue and her parents Marshall and Frances Simmons.

Marsha was a homemaker, avid reader, and a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, NASCAR, and all the Illini teams.  She loved spending time with her family, cooking and enjoying the love that surrounded them when they were together.  She was what her children's friends would agree, the mom everyone wanted.

Marsha owned and operated Marsha's Little Treasures daycare for many years before her illness.  She fought cancer for 17 years and during those years, we found out how strong she was.  She was and will always be our hero.  She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends and will forever be in our hearts.  We will always cherish our wonderful memories of her.

There will be a memorial service at 11:30 AM, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, with a visitation one hour prior(10:30-11:30 AM).  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.  Online condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.