Ada Sterling Ward, of Crisfield, passed away Monday, January 16, 2017 at Salisbury Genesis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center just three months prior to her 100th birthday. The family would like to express thanks to her many caregivers at Genesis.

Born in Crisfield April 13, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Carroll and Adeline Nelson Sterling. Her husband, Lorenzo D. Ward, Jr., died in 1983.

For decades she owned and operated with her husband and son Ward's Crossing Grocery Market and later built, owned and operated Ward's IGA in Crisfield. She was a lifelong member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Crisfield where she served in various capacities over the many years.

She always had a selfless spirit, nurturing and caring attitude, and always did for others. She loved her home of Crisfield as a whole, especially Johnsons Creek where she was born and always resided. She also had a great love for animals, feeding and caring for many over the years.

She is survived by her grandson, Kevin C. Ward and wife Carole of Salisbury; a great-grandson, Christian M. Ward of Salisbury; and a great-granddaughter, Jessica J. Ward of Crisfield.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Lorenzo D. "Gussie" Ward, III in 2005.

A funeral service officiated by Pastor Dana R. Stauffer will be Friday, January 20, 2017 at 2 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home where a viewing will be one hour prior. Interment will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com