Teena McEldowney-Ward, 68, of St. Marys, OH passed away peacefully at 11:14 a.m. on Monday July 20, 2026 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born March 28, 1958 in St. Marys, OH to Jerry and Barbara (Cotterman) McEldowney.

On September 12, 1981 in St. Marys, OH she married the love of her life, Charles W. "Bill" Ward, who died in an accident on July 18, 2017.

Survivors include: brother Jerry (Peg) McEldowney of Wapakoneta, OH; brother Dale (Donna) McEldowney of St. Marys, OH; sister Bev (Mike) Whitaker of St. Marys, OH; sister Teresa (Don) Henning of St. Marys, OH; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; a great-great niece and nephew; and a large circle of friends and neighbors.

Preceded in death by: parents Jerry and Barbara McEldowney; husband Charles W. "Bill" Ward; sister Tamara McEldowney; sister Kimberly McEldowney; brother Scott McEldowney; and brother Craig McEldowney.

She attended St. Marys Memorial High School with the Class of 1976. She was a homemaker and worked as a clerk for Certified Gas Station and Rite Aid Pharmacy (both in St. Marys) and Walmart in Celina, OH. In addition she served as a councilwoman for the City of St. Marys 4th Ward for a number of years.

She was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys.

Teena will be remembered for her love of family and friends and her dedication to the residents of her ward and all of St. Marys. She was most happy when surrounded by people, often hosting get-togethers at her residence. She enjoyed music and taking rides around town on her golf cart. She was outspoken, kind and helpful to anyone in need. She held great respect for her family members that had died previously and honored their memories by making daily visits to their graves. The matriarch of the McEldowney family will be missed!

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday July 25, 2026 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church 511 E. Spring Street in St. Marys, with the Rev. Adam Berning (celebrant) and Deacon Marty Brown (homilist). Burial will follow at the Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West) in St. Marys.

Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Teena's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook Page.

"We have loved her in life; let us not forget her in death." - St. Ambrose