Iva Gene Ward

Iva Gene Ward, 86, of Tracys Landing, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Iva Gene was born on June 9, 1940, to John Benjamin Wilkerson and Edith Virginia Wilkerson in Tracys Landing, Maryland. She graduated from Southern High School in 1958 and married Donald Ward, the love of her life, in 1960. Together, they made Tracys Landing their home for nearly 63 years.

Iva Gene is survived by her three children: son Dennis Ward and wife Beth; son Douglas Ward and wife Sharon; and daughter Donna Swann and husband Jody. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and her brother, John B. Wilkerson Jr. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Ward, her brothers Robert “Bobby” Wilkerson and David Wilkerson, and her sister, Carolyn Knopp.

Iva Gene began her career in 1958 with the Post Office Department, leaving in 1962 following the birth of her first child. After the birth of her third child, she returned to the workforce as an elementary school aide at Tracy’s Landing Elementary School. In 1980, she returned to federal service with the U.S. Naval Academy, where she worked until 1994. She then transferred to NASA and retired from federal service in 1998. From 1998 to 2005, she worked for a local landscaping company.

Iva Gene had a lifelong passion for sports. She was a standout player in both softball and basketball at Southern High School. After high school, she continued playing women’s slow-pitch softball for teams in Calvert County and became one of the top hitters in the league. After retiring from playing, she continued her involvement in youth sports, serving in various commissioner positions with the United Youth Club, the first youth sports club serving southern Anne Arundel County.

Her love of sports continued through coaching and supporting her three children in their many athletic endeavors. She rarely missed a game, from their youth recreation leagues through their college athletic careers. She was always there to cheer them on.

Iva Gene loved life to the fullest. She enjoyed gardening, traveling with family and friends, including bus trips and cruises. She also cherished attending meetings and events with her Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters and participating in the Friendship United Methodist Women’s Group.

Iva Gene was a dedicated wife and mother, but her greatest joy was being a Mom-Mom to her eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She loved them with all her heart and could frequently be found attending their games, helping with projects, or simply spending time with them. There was not a thing she wouldn’t do to make their lives special. Her love, encouragement, and devotion will remain a lasting part of their lives.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rausch Funeral Home in Owings, MD. A funeral ceremony celebrating Iva Gene’s life will take place on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Friendship United Methodist Church in Friendship, MD, with Pastor Rudy White officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Harmony United Methodist Church in Owings, MD.

Iva Gene loved flowers, and they are warmly welcomed. For those who would prefer to make a memorial donation, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake or Friendship United Methodist Church, both of which held a special place in her heart.