Betty Carolyn Ward, 79, of Malvern, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home with her family on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. She was born September 24, 1944, to Earnest Malcolm Ward and Connie Bell Mobley Ward in Lono, Arkansas.

In May of 1970, Betty received her diploma from the Master Barbers and Beauticians of America. Shortly after receiving her diploma, she opened her first salon in downtown Ft. Worth in the Tandy One Tower. In 1978, she was recognized by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, quoting, "The lady is a barber with a flair!"  They described her salon as "the most elegant in terms of interior in the building."  Betty was passionate about interior design, collecting antiques, and tribal and Western art. More importantly, Betty was a loving mother and grandmother. She created many moments of laughter and happiness for others and was always willing to help when someone needed it. Although she will be missed, we were blessed to have her in our lives, and now that she has gone to be with our Lord, we know she is at peace, and her memory will last forever.

Betty Ward was preceded in death by her parents and brothers James Junior Ward of Monahans, Texas, Floyd Buster Earl Ward of Midland, Texas, and sisters Annie Mell Ward of Lono, Arkansas, Nettie Bell Walker of New Hanover, North Carolina, Audrey Sue Wulf of Midland, Texas, Doris Kersh of Malvern, Arkansas, Margueritte "Margie" Claybrook of Abilene, Texas, Ernestine "Tina" Marshall of Monahans, Texas.

She is survived by brother Douglas Elwood Ward and wife Jo, of Eldorado, Texas, daughters Gina Davis (Rick) of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Rhonda Byrd (Chuck) of Hurst, Texas, and son Donnie Taber (Kim) of Malvern, Arkansas. Grandkids Carson Delany of Malvern, Arkansas, Leah VonSeggren of Omaha, Nebraska, Logan VonSeggren of Lincoln, Nebraska, Matthew Taber of Chicago, Illinois, Tyler Ward Taber of Malvern, Arkansas. Great Grandkids: Alex Bradford of Malvern, Caylee and Phillip "Grizz" Jr. Swesey of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Akari VonSeggren of Lincoln, Nebraska.

The family will have a private service following with a Celebration of Life.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Baptist Hospital and Arkansas Hospice in Hot Springs. The care they provided for our mom was exemplary and compassionate, and their support made a difficult time more bearable. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and professionalism.

Arrangements are made by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guestbook at regencyfuneralhome.com.