07/28/2026
Anne Balch Ward died at home on July 21, 2026, after living more than eight years with Corticobasal Degeneration, a rare, progressive neurological disease that slowly took away everything but her grace and determination, both of which left a mark on everyone who knew her.
The third of five children, Anne was born to Memory and Fred Balch on August 29, 1954—the Lord's Day. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law Ron Hoofman, and by her husband and high school sweetheart, Seth "Skeeter" Ward. Although Skeeter often referred to Anne as his "first wife," she was his only wife, and they shared a deep and abiding love.
Anne graduated from Little Rock Hall High School in 1972 and attended the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta.
She is survived by her siblings, Beverly Hoofman, Fred Balch III (Linda), Helen Moix (David), and James Balch; her children, Seth Ward III, James "Jay" Ward (Allison), and Katharine "Kate" Hargis (Aaron); and her beloved grandchildren, Seth Ward IV, Phillip and Olivia Ward, and Memory and Charlotte Hargis, who knew her simply as "Bubby."
Like her own mother, Anne set an impossibly high standard when it came to motherhood. She stayed up late helping with science projects, made time to cook meals, fixed scraped knees, and mended broken hearts. Her children were extraordinarily lucky to call her Mom, and they will spend the rest of their lives trying to live up to the example she set.
Anne had a gift for helping things grow—whether they were children, friendships, or flowers. Many knew her for her "green thumb." Her love of gardening began when her father put the Balch children to work in the yard every Saturday morning. Even friends who
stopped by often found themselves handed a shovel. What began as childhood chores became a lifelong passion.
Anne was a Master Gardener and a member of the Little Rock Garden Club, Country Homes (President), and Wildflowers Garden Clubs. In 2022, the Garden Clubs of America named her an Honorary Horticulture Judge, an achievement she deeply treasured. Her knowledge of plants bordered on the encyclopedic. She did not use names like "Ge**er daisy"; she preferred Ge**era jamesonii.
Although many will remember Anne for her gardening, those closest to her knew that what truly made her extraordinary was the way she cared for people—with remarkable generosity, boundless curiosity, and a gift for bringing others into the things that brought her joy.
She was the greatest giver of gifts Pulaski County has ever known. Nothing was last minute; she thought about those she cherished year-round and had an unmatched ability to make people feel seen, appreciated, and cared for. Her curiosity extended even to strangers. She often clipped interesting obituaries from the newspaper and read them aloud to her children, believing every life had a story worth telling.
No subject was too obscure, no destination too distant, and no experience too unfamiliar. Newly widowed and recently diagnosed, Anne booked a trip through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam because she had always wanted to see Angkor Wat. Despite increasing speech difficulties and not knowing anyone on the trip, she returned home with new friends and unforgettable memories. Nobody was surprised.
Anne delighted in spending time with the people who meant the most to her. Whether it was weekends at the lake with family, hosting dinner parties for friends, or introducing her family to the music, theater, and art that enriched her own life, she found joy in sharing life's experiences with others.
Some of Anne's happiest moments were also her simplest—sitting beside Skeeter on the back deck, looking out over the garden they created together.
A devoted Catholic affectionately known within the family as "The Church Lady," Anne was a faithful member of the Cathedral of St. Andrew. She gave tours, arranged flowers, and served as a Eucharistic Minister and President of the Ladies Guild.
Anne's family is deeply grateful to Arkansas Hospice and to her devoted caregivers—especially Felicia Woods and Ida Hunter—whose compassion allowed Anne to remain at home, surrounded by her family.
Visitation/Rosary is scheduled for Tuesday July 28, 2026, at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12th Street, Little Rock, AR, 72204. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00PM - 7:00PM with Rosary at 6:30 PM.
Funeral Service will be held Wednesday July 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 617 S Louisiana Street, Little Rock, AR, 72201.
A Private family burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery with Bishop Francis Malone presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CurePSP, the Cathedral of St. Andrew, or the Carmel of St. Teresa of Jesus, organizations that reflected Anne's lifelong faith and values.
The world is more beautiful because Anne was in it. We find comfort in imagining that, at long last, she is back beside Skeeter, looking over a beautiful garden once again.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/arkansas/little-rock/griffin-leggett-healey-roth-funeral-home/9864
