Miriam Hixson Ward, 91, Caulfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026. She was born November 23, 1934, in Piedmont, the daughter of Lawrence and Verbie Hixson. On August 8, 1956, she married Louis Franklin Carr Ward Jr., and together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and community.  Miriam worked for twenty years at the West Plains Daily Quill before becoming a full-time homemaker. Later in life, at the age of 80, she went to work at the Kloz Klozet, where she enjoyed staying active and visiting with people in the community. She was involved in many local organizations, including the Grizzly Booster Club, Friends of the Garnett Library, CASA, and PEO. She was an active member at the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. She went on many mission trips and served the church faithfully for many years. Miriam loved to read and was a longtime member of a book club. She rarely missed her grandchildren’s sporting events and took great pride in supporting them in all they did. She was MiMi to her grandchildren and GiGi to so many. All the grandchildren’s friends called her GiGi as well. There were not many times in the warmer months you would not find Mimi without a wheelbarrow or the weed-eater in hand in the yard. She was always in the yard working in the flower beds and planting flowers. Miriam was known for being an excellent cook and for welcoming family and friends into her home for holidays, dinners, and gatherings. She carried herself with quiet confidence and class and was someone people naturally enjoyed being around. Her greatest joy was her family.

She is survived by her children, Carr Lawrence Ward and wife, Lisa and Cindy Leigh Ward-Risner and husband, Kent; six grandchildren, Chad Ward and wife, Danielle, of West Plains, Missouri, Zachary Talbot and wife ,Jill of Edina, Missouri, Ashley Wilson and husband, Colt of Fordland, Missouri, Zeke Talbot and wife, Jesse of West Plains, Missouri, Chase Ward of Fordland, Missouri, Christina Green and husband, Ty of Caulfield Missouri, and Sam Ward and fiancé, Tressa of Las Vegas, Nevada; along with twenty great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Carr Ward Jr., her parents, Lawrence and Verbie, and her sisters and their husbands, Tom and Lois Boston and Bob and JoAnn Carter.

Miriam will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her involvement in her community, and the steady, caring presence she was to those who knew her.

A memorial service will be held June 20, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., and service at 11:00. A meal will follow the service at Ty and Christina Green’s home in Caulfield. All are welcome to come and celebrate GiGi!

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Garnett Library, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.