Maxine Robbins Ward

Maxine Robbins Ward, age 91, of Fayetteville, Ark., departed to the presence of her Heavenly Father on July 14, 2020, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark. She was born April 13, 1929, in Stuttgart, Ark., to Thelma Barnes Robbins and William Bryan Robbins, both of whom preceded her in death. She had two sisters, Lynette Robbins Burban and Roselyn Robbins Beehler, who also passed before her. In 1950 she married Dr. Herbert Wendell Ward of Pine Bluff, Ark. Maxine and Wendell raised their family in Fayetteville. Dr. Ward, a radiologist well known throughout northwest Arkansas, passed in 1997. Maxine was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville, providing years of faithful service with the Board of Deacons and as an Elder. She is remembered by many for her caring and compassion for others in her church family during times of loss. Her "thinking of you" card was adopted by the Church and continues to be used. She was a graduate of Pine Bluff High School and attended the University of Arkansas. She was a member of Chapter AT PEO. Throughout her adult life she developed unique skills in braiding rugs, and was recognized by national groups for her multiple strand designs. Maxine is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Lynn Martinelli (Mario) of Phuket, Thailand, and Patricia Ann Kay (John) of California, Mo., two grandsons, John Patrick Kay (Lois) and Bryan Wesley Kay, and two great grandchildren, William Dean Kay and Birdie Ann Kay, all of Columbia, Mo. Out of concerns for family and friends during the pandemic, services will be private with a memorial service to be announced at a later date. Burial will be at Mount Comfort Cemetery west of Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Endowment Fund of the First United Presbyterian Church, 695 Calvin Street, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home of Fayetteville, Ark. To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com.