JoAnn Sailors Ward of Palisade, Nebraska passed away at her home in Palisade on April 7, 2026, at the age of 92.

JoAnn was born June 12, 1933, to Kenneth and Lena (Bailey) Sailors in the farm home of her grandparents Claude and Maggie (Land) Sailors, southwest of Palisade. She attended District 19 School near her home southwest of Palisade and Palisade High School graduating in 1950.

JoAnn married Harley E. Ward on July 8, 1950. To this union six children were born: Cindy Lea; Cathy Dee; William Kenneth; Cheri Rea; Glenda Kay; and Dwana Jo.

JoAnn was a homemaker and in addition, worked outside of the home as a school bus driver for the Palisade Public Schools, Postmaster Relief Clerk for the Palisade Post Office as well as for the Wauneta Post Office.

JoAnn was a member of the Palisade Methodist Church; Palisade Pioneer Days Committee; Palisade Community Service Club; Hitchcock County Historical Society; American Legion Auxiliary Unit 318 and VFW Unit 7028.

JoAnn’s children, husband Harley, her community, church, and volunteer work were her life which she enjoyed immensely.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her daughter Glenda, husband Harley, brother Kenneth Claude, her parents Kenneth and Lena Sailors, in-laws Bill and Clara Ward, and son-in-law David Dunham.

JoAnn is survived by daughters Cindy (Tom) Monnahan, Palisade; Cathy Dunham, Bennington, KS; Cheri Ward (Randy Wilcox), McCook, NE; Dwana (Ed) Flaig, Palisade; and one son William Ward, Palisade. Grandchildren: Brett (Shannon), Bethany, Brian, Bart Monnahan, Jeremy, Nathan, Joshua Dunham; Vanessa Sherman, Larissa (Shane) Gerhartz, Sabrina Ward, Andrew Ward, Kasey (Tori), Kody Hahn, Shawn, Cory (Shailey), Chadric (Taylor) Flaig, and Katie Jo (Jeremy) Mathews, and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother Keith (Ruby) Sailors, North Platte, NE; along with several nieces and extended family and friends.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Palisade Methodist Church, 103 North Powell, Palisade, NE 69040 or the Palisade Volunteer Fire Department, 109 S. Main St., Palisade, NE 69040