Iva Blanche Branscome Ward age 93 of Galax, Va. passed away Monday, February 15,2010 at Waddell Nursing Home.

Iva Blanche Branscome Ward was born in Carroll County on April 14, 1916, to the late Isaac and Callie Mitchell Branscome. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years James Howard Ward.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law James and Fran Ward of Richmond, Va., and Larry and Sandra Ward of Christiansburg, Va.; three grandchildren, Mitch Ward and wife Shannon of Midlothian, Va.; Jeff Ward of Richmond, Va.; and Justin Ward of Christiansburg, Va.; one great-granddaughter Alexis Ward of Richmond, Va.; one brother Coy Branscome of Galax, Va.; sisters-in-law Lola Ward of Fancy Gap, Va.; Josie Rippey of High Point,N.C.; Mrytle Caudell of Thomasville, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. A special friend Jackie Cockerham and many family and friends too numerous to mention.

She was a dedicated homemaker and devout member of Oakland United Methodist Church where she mailed cards to the sick and shut-ins for the church family and community for years. She loved to garden and cook for her family, friends, sharing her love through breads, cakes and cookies.

A funeral service will be conducted at Oakland United Methodist Church on Thursday, February 18 at 11:00 am with the Rev. John Ousley, Rev. Richard Gregory and Rev. Randy Morris officiating. The body will lie-in-state one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Oakland United Methodist Church Building Fund or Oakland Cemetery Fund. A guestbook is available on line at www.vaughanguynn.com