Gaylee Ankerstjerne Ward, age 77, of Marysville, died Saturday August 4 , 2012 at The Gables at Green Pastures. An interior designer and local merchant, she and her husband Bob owned “Interiors by Gaylee” and later their consignment shop “The Wardrobe,” in downtown Marysville for many years. Born and raised in Iowa, she was her high school Valedictorian and received a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Iowa State University. Following college, she relocated to Columbus to work as a “Betty Newton” for the Columbia Gas Company where she designed model kitchens. Gaylee was known for her enthusiasm and support of the Marysville community. She was a member and past president of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a member and past president of Business and Professional Women, and a member of King’s Daughters and the Marysville Art League. She also served with the Marysville Retail and Business Association, and on the Downtown Revitalization Committee and Architectural Review Board. A woman of strong faith, Gaylee was a member of Powell United Methodist Church. She was a longtime, former member of Marysville First United Methodist Church where she was active in the Emmaus community, served as a church trustee and taught Sunday school. A devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother, she cherished family gatherings and loved watching her family perform. Her favorite joy was being a grandma and she was happiest with a grandchild on her lap. She will be most remembered for her confident demeanor; her warm hospitality; her keen attention to detail; her ability to make everything beautiful; her thoughtfulness, and her clever sense of humor. She was born September 3, 1934 in Onawa, Iowa to the late Walter B. and Dorothy Payne Ankerstjerne and was also predeceased by her brother, Baxter Ankerstjerne. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert Keith Ward, whom she married November 25, 1960 in Marion; three daughters, Jill Gaylee (Anthony) Philipp of Powell, Laura Lynn (Richard) Smith and Wendy Eileen (Matthew) Nuspl, both of Marysville; eight grandchildren, Leah, Hannah and Evan Philipp, Jack, Ellie and Will Nuspl and Caroline and Lucy Smith; a sister, Kristin (Gene) Baier and a brother, Craig (Janet) Ankerstjerne, both of Iowa; three sisters-in-law, Colleen Ankerstjerne of Iowa, Bea Wood of Rutland and Darlene Ward of Columbus; cousin Kathy Shaw of Marysville; and many other nieces, nephews and good friends, including a lifelong friend, Betty Whitman of Blacklick. A Life Celebration Service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Powell United Methodist Church, 825 East Olentangy Street (Powell Road), Powell where the family will receive friends over lunch following the service. Rev. Larry Brown will officiate. Interment will be held at a later date. Calling hours will be held 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Underwood Funeral Home, 703 East Fifth Street, Marysville. Memorial contributions may be made to the P.E.O. Sisterhood or to the special care unit at The Gables at Green Pastures, 390 Gables Drive, Marysville. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.
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Bob and family,
Our thoughts and heart are with you. Peace be yours.
Ken, Cindy, Katie and Taylor Davis
I will always remember looking out in the audience when we gave our performances with the Singsations and seeing Gaylee and her smile. She was always there for us, and always had something nice to say. John and I send our love, thoughts, and prayers to all the family.
To Bob and your lovely family.
My heartfelt prayers go out to you all.
Gaylee has been called home to her Heavenly Father, and in his presence she will always be the wonderful lady whose memory is etched into your hearts.
Love to you all and please let me know if you need anything.
Suzanne
Jill and Family
My sympathy to all of you in this time of loss. May the love of God embrace you close to Himself and to one another.
Ed Beale 1st UMC, Bellefontaine
I’m so sorry I won’t be able to attend the service for Aunt Gaylee. I always remember the fun times we had at her and Uncle Bob’s house right along with Mr. Five. They spoiled us every time we got to go visit. Rest in peace Aunt Gaylee you deserve it.
Our heartfelt condolences at the passing of our wonderful Gaylee, who was a friend and confidant of so many of us. May she rest in peace in the arms of her Savior.
Lovingly
Betty and George
Jill,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God’s presence cover you with peace.
I learned about Gaylee’s death today (Thursday, Aug. 9) and am sorry I was unable to come for calling hours. Bob & Gaylee were great influences on my life when I was a young adult having returned to Marysville after college. Bob & I were mainstays, at least in terms of physical presence, in the bass section of the First UMC choir, and he became a good friend. Bob & girls, I am so sorry for your loss. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart during this difficult time.
Dear Jill,
Having known your mother since we were children I was so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a force for beauty and the world will be a bit less lovely without her in it. I lost my mother four years ago and I want you to know that the pain really does get better. May God carry you, your sisters and of course your dad through this time of sorrow.
Love,
Laura
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother/wife. No matter how long we prepare for a death of a loved one, we are never really ready. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Wishing you and your family strength and peace. Joy Ballard
To “My Ward Family”,
Know that, I share in your grief, as we will
sorely miss our precious Gaylee.
May God bless and keep you within His
loving care.
With a heavy heart,
Betty Kirk