Betty Joyce Ward

Betty Joyce Ward, age 89, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Baptist Health Hospital in Corbin.

Born in the little coal mining town of Warren, Kentucky; she was the daughter of the late Fred and Bessie Mays Rickett. Betty was a faithful member of Lynn Camp Baptist Church. She served her Lord and church family faithfully for as long as her health allowed. Betty's life passion was babysitting. She was deeply affectionate and caring toward the little lives entrusted to her and she counted them among her greatest treasures.

She was a fan of UK sports and loved cheering them on to victory.

Betty is survived by her sons, Bobby Ward Jr.(Teresa) and Richard Ward(Lisa); her sister, Judy Collins; and her cherished grandchildren, Beth Ann Smith, Amy Jo Dossett(Timothy), and Kamille Ward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Ward Sr.; her parents, Fred and Bessie Mays Rickett; her daughter, Kathy Ward Smith; her brothers, Ralph, Harold, and Junior Rickett; her sister, Gerrie Halcomb; and her brother-in-law, Don Collins.

Visitation for Betty Ward will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 12noon to 2:00pm at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, 607 Master Street, Corbin, Kentucky. Her funeral service will follow at 2:00pm with Rev. Bobby Joe Eaton officiating.

Arrangements are entrusted to Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com.