Pictured are, sitting, from left, Charlotte Conser, who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday; and Ruth Geiger Ward, who celebrated her 109th birthday; and the Essex staff, from left, Sandra Keglor, activity assistant; Terry Achberger, maintenance supervisor; Darlene Hutton, administrator; Nikki Lee, restorative nursing assistant; Ed Zimmerman, volunteer; and Sue Pittman, director of nursing. (Submitted photo)

SALEM — Ruth Geiger Ward, a resident of Essex of Salem II, celebrated her 109th birthday on Feb. 26.

Her husband, Bill Ward, whom she married in July 1931, was a coach and athletic director at East Palestine High School while his brother, Waldo Ward, was coach and athletic director at the rival Columbiana High School. Bill is enshrined in the Columbiana County Coaches Hall of Fame. He passed away in 1984.

Mrs. Ward is loved by all of the staff and residents of Essex. She is part of its family and has been since May 10, 2000. She also was the first resident at the new Hutton Courtyard at Lexington assisted living in 1995 where she walked for exercise daily. She loved to play “hide and seek” with then 5-year-old Austen Hutton in the 32 rooms at the courtyard. Mrs. Ward loved to sing gospel songs, especially “Jesus Loves Me.” Mrs. Ward was the volunteer secretary-treasurer at Covenant United Presbyterian Church for 30 years and taught Sunday school for both teens and adults. She also served as elder on the Womens Circle and on most church committees.

Mrs. Ward’s birthday was celebrated for three days. The first party was on Feb. 26 when her friends from East Palestine came for a visit. The second celebration honored all residents at Essex who were born in February. Cupcakes, specialty coffee, tea and soft drinks were served. Entertainment was provided by John Volio who sang and played the guitar. The third party on Feb. 28 was highlighted with flowers, balloons and a cake made specifically for her.

Her niece, Marcia Geiger Werning, was the closest to her and brought her anything she needed and kept her impeccably dressed. Werning lived in Canfield with her husband, the late Dr. John B. Werning. Werning moved to Kernersville, N. C., and passed away March 23, 2013. Mrs. Ward’s nephew, Bill Ward of Salem, comes to visit her.

Mrs. Ward was born on Feb. 26, 1908, in New Springfield, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Geiger (1874-1950) and Frances Edna Elser (1875-1927). Although Mrs. Ward doesn’t actively participate at Essex, she enjoys musicals, church services, parties, games and anything going on in the activity department. She enjoys her food and cleans her plate at each meal. Amazingly, she only takes a multi-vitamin and a Tylenol each day.