Johnnie Ward

Johnnie Ward, 66, of Clinton, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Johnnie was born on February 22, 1960, in San Angelo, Texas, to Jack and Nancy (Bass) Sample. She grew up in San Angelo and graduated from Lake View High School in 1978. Determined to pursue her education while raising her family and working, Johnnie went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Angelo State University in 1996.

Nursing was more than a career for Johnnie; it was a calling. She dedicated 35 years of her life to caring for others, spending the majority of her nursing career at Clinton Regional Hospital. Through her years of service, she touched many lives with her compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping others.

Johnnie married Ricky Ward on October 7, 1999, in Sayre, Oklahoma, and together they built a life centered around family.

Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband, Ricky Ward; her parents; and two brothers, Lonnie Byrd and Jackie Sample.

She is survived by her daughters, Melissa Wood and husband Justin of San Angelo, Texas, and Meagan Pittman of Clinton, Oklahoma; two stepsons, Doug Ward and wife Amy of Weatherford, Oklahoma, and Curtis Ward of Elk City, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Victoria, Miriam, Kelsey, Madison, Kylie, Lexie, Mylee, and Maizley; one great-grandchild, Kaylnn; one sister, Elois Melton of Kingsland, Texas; and Ashley Covell, a special friend whom Johnnie loved as a daughter.

Johnnie will be remembered for the lives she touched through her years of nursing, her love for her family, and the special way she made those around her feel loved.