Linda "Diane" Ward, 68, formerly of Spencer, West Virginia and Wilkesboro, North Carolina passed away on March 28,2024 after a brave battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully at the Duke Hospice Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, North Carolina.

Diane was born in Parkersburg, WV on December 6, 1955 to James Arthur Ward and Helen Dorothy Ward (Carpenter). She was raised on the family farm just outside of Spencer and enjoyed participating in band and 4-H throughout her childhood and young adulthood. Diane graduated from Spencer High School in 1974, and went on to attend Glenville State College where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Social Studies. She had a passion for teaching and became involved with the West Virginia Professional Educators Association. She later obtained her master's degree in Special Education from West Virginia of Graduate Studies (Marshall University) as well as a Title I Reading certification from Appalachian State University. Her career in teaching spanned across West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. One of her greatest joys was watching her students excel and overcome challenges.

In addition to her professional endeavors, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her daughter, nieces, and nephews. She enjoyed travelling, history, gardening, and was an avid birdwatcher.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Jane Ward-Strunin and son-in-law Jacob "Jake" Strunin of Durham, NC; sisters Jo Ann Walus (Jerome) and Janet Prine (Edward).; nieces: Sarah Gzybowbski (Brian), Teresa Prine, Cindy Starcher (Jason), Jennifer Price (Jason), and Ashley Cable (Alan), and nephew, Micheal Walus (Mary), as well as a host of special great-nephews and nieces. She is also survived by her beloved feline companion, Sunshine.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Grant Parkins, The Duke Cancer Center, and the entire Duke Hospice team that provided her loving and compassionate care over the last year.

Services will be 11: 00 A.M. ~ Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home in Spencer with graveside services at Mount Olive Cemetery immediately following. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted; and memorials can be made to Camp Sheppard.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.taylorvandalefuneralhome.com