Obituary of Nancy Irene Ward

Nancy Irene Ward, a long-time resident of Lexington, KY, passed away on November 25, 2023 in Aiken, South Carolina where she had recently relocated.  Nancy was born August 9, 1950 in Bowling Green, KY to J. Paul Ward and Irene Frances Bettersworth Ward.

 

Nancy was a student from kindergarten through twelfth grade at the Training School (College High) for Western Kentucky State Teachers College, now Western Kentucky University. Nancy graduated as Salutatorian of her senior class.  She also graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in political science and subsequently received a masters degree in Business Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH.                       

 

Nancy engaged in a variety of businesses and professional activities during her life.  She was a Deputy Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the Department of Revenue during the administration of Governor Paul Patton.  She faithfully discharged her duties as the Director of Information Technology and oversaw several revisions to the state-wide regulations. Nancy also served in the Commonwealth Office of Technology and Empower Kentucky and retired after 26 years of government service.  Upon retirement, she was the co-founder of Solarity Group, which provided education and training for businesses including development of systems for application for business organizations engaged in government services and private services.  She held the position of Executive Vice President, and personally conducted analysis of needs and implementation policies for both government and private industry projects, including seminar presentations.

                      

Nancy was an accomplished cook and entrepreneur who followed in the steps of her mother, Irene, and her grandmother, Sue Rogers Bettersworth, both of whom fed their families and neighbors well.  In 2003 she created Ward's Kentucky Specialties proudly selling her beloved gourmet sauces in grocery stores and specialty shops across the country.

                       

Nancy is survived by her spouse of 26 years, Biby Tinajero, of Aiken, SC, two sisters, Judith Ward Mattox (Chuck), Colorado Springs, CO, and Paula Ward Gort, Clemmons, NC and one brother, Walter A. Ward (Blanca), Lexington, KY.  Nancy was loved and cherished by her nieces and nephews Jeff Smith (Milena), Jennifer Mattox (Eric Shaw), Ben Ward (Meredith), Leigh Smith (Thom), Karla Fisher (Brad) and Sarah Mikell. In addition, she was adored by step-children Manuel Wray (Denise), Magda Smith (Reginald), Christina Harmon (Clay), and Richard Wray (Danielle Raines), and 13 step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Beth Ward. 

 

At this time, arrangements for services are incomplete. The family would very much appreciate any memories being shared in lieu of flowers at this time. 

 

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234) is assisting the family.

 

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com