Deborah Kay Ward

Hickory – Debbie Kay Geitner Ward, 78 of Hickory went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Catawba Valley Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Born on March 21, 1945 in Catawba County, NC, Debbie was the daughter of the late John Marshall Shuford “Bud” and Lavenia Drucilla Kennedy Geitner. Debbie was an avid lover of vintage collectibles and delicate trinkets. Anyone who visited her home saw of her evidence of her passion and she always had a story behind each item and exactly how she obtained it or the history behind it.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, John Marshall Shuford Geitner. Jr.

Those left to cherish her memory include, her husband of 63 years, James “Jimmy” Ward; a son, Wesley Ward and wife Jackie; a daughter, Wendy Forbes and husband, Johnny; a brother, Joseph Eric Geitner and wife Ellen; a sister-in-law, Judy Geitner; 3 grandchildren, Brandi Forbes, Katie Forbes and Heather Ward, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 3 PM - 5 PM at Catawba Funeral Home.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the nurses of the 1st and 5th floor at Catawba Valley Medical Center for all their loving care.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Ward Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.