By Stephen Drew
Independent Editor
A public servant, a leader and peacemaker... such words have been used to describe Janice Ward, but to many residents of Clayton, such was just a good friend of the village.
Last Wednesday, Mrs. Ward, age 52, Clayton's mayor, died at Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center following complications from surgery.
To those who knew Mrs. Ward, a 1962 graduate of Northmont High School, she will be remembered for her straight forward, yet gentle matter when discussing village affairs. "She was very pleasant to be around," said council member Michael Schubert. "She was kind of like the mother hen of the village. She didn't like to get into conflict. She liked to speak her mind, but didn't like to fight."
Mrs. Ward ran for the position of mayor last fall when no other individuals stepped forward and had served on the Village Council for several years.
Luckily, there were no other candidates, because they more than likely would have been defeated. "Janice was very well-liked," said former Clayton Mayor John Beattie, whom Mrs. Ward succeeded. "She always got the most votes in the elections. She was always at the top of the heap.
"When I didn't run for re-election, she steped in even though she had health problems. I was really proud of her for that."
Most recently, Mrs. Ward has served on the Randolph Township and Village of Clayton Merger Study Commission, and previously she had worked for several years as
a paramedic for the Randolph Township Fire Department. Mrs. Ward was employed as a secretary for the Margaret Lieber School of Dance.
Mrs. Ward is survived by her husband, Charles Ward, road supervisor for Randolph Township, and two daughters.
Funeral services were held Sunday at the Kindred-Barnes Funeral Home in Englewood with Rev. Sharon Beattie, John Beattie's wife, officiating.
"She was a typical small town lady," said Beattie. "Her door was, always open. We've lost someone who was a leader in the village."
Council member Charles MacArthur added, "She was a longtime public servant who took an active part in village affairs.
"She was a strong personality who took her own way. We'll miss her."
