Gloria Ann (Conaway) Ward

Gloria Ann (Conaway) Ward, 67, Greenfield, grew her angel wings on Monday, January 26, 2026, as she passed away while at IU Methodist Hospital, with family by her side. Gloria was born on January 13, 1959, in Indianapolis, to parents Wilbur Dean and Nila Jean (Willis) Conaway. Gloria is a 1977 graduate of New Palestine High School. After graduation, she continued her studies concentrating on dental care. She married the love of her life, Roger Dean Ward, on October 9, 1981.

Gloria will be remembered for family, food, and fun. She loved her family to the fullest. Her grandchildren were the apples of her eyes. After retiring from dentistry, she took on full time baby-sitting responsibilities in watching them. And her sister was her partner-in-crime when it came time for traveling adventures. Her passion for cooking turned into a second career. She was the mastermind behind ‘Heavenly Foods Catering.’ She cooked and catered for many: family gatherings, holidays, birthdays, baby showers, friends, and neighborhood get-togethers. Her fun categories crossed over many avenues, including taking numerous vacations with destinations to warmer weather, those that had beaches, and those that served the best beverages. To say that her tan was not perfection was an understatement. Her collection of beverage makers would make the hospitality industry blush with envy. Her brother recalls picking up an inexpensive industrial food processing machine while her husband recalls repurposing that same machine into the highlight of the party. Her ability to create crafts and art works was amazing, ranging from paintings to bead work. She was very talented with her hands. She and her sister even took art classes in the jungle of Mexico. The Amazon delivery team can vouch for Gloria’s love of shopping. Music was also an important aspect of her life. She lived and experienced a great life. For 33 years, Gloria was employed as a dental assistant. After retirement, she babysat the grandchildren. And her food truck was her escape and creative measure. She was a member of Park Chapel Church.

Gloria is survived by her loving husband Roger of 44 years; their sons, Nathan (Jill) Ward and Corey (Jennifer) Ward; grandchildren: Bryce Ward, Alexis Ward, Nathan ‘Peanut’ Ward, Jr., Shane Stough, Logan Ward, and Haley Ward; sister, Connie (Mark) Roberts; brother, David (Candace) Conaway; many nieces and nephews; and 15 great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and mother-in-law, Ruth Ellen Ward.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield. Memorial contributions may be made to any Breast Cancer Awareness organization. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com