Fumiko Ward's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Mrs. Fumiko Ward
February 4, 1927 – June 8, 2025
Mrs. Fumiko Ward, of South Point, Ohio—born Fumiko Tomita—entered the world on February 4, 1927, in Nayoro, Hokkaido, Japan. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.
Affectionately known as Fumi, she was the beloved wife of Louis Ward of Huntington, West Virginia, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a life grounded in love, resilience, and a beautiful blending of cultures.
Fumi was the proud and loving mother to two children: Erio “Eddie” Ward (deceased) and Mikiko “Miki” (Ricky) Crawford. She took immense pride in her family, which includes seven grandchildren—Missy Ammerman, Candi (Mark) Morris, Erik Ward, Erin Ward, Ricky Crawford, Heather Lee Roy and Colin (Tina) Ward—and four cherished great-grandchildren: Nate Morris, Isaac Ammerman, Juniper Ward, and Lila Ward. She is also survived by her dear sister, Sachiko Murakami, of Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Throughout her life, Fumi nurtured a circle of close friendships. Among her remaining local friends are Sue Belville, Fumiko Trent, and Mariko Lane, with whom she shared daily conversations filled with love and laughter.
Fumi deeply valued family, heritage, and cultural understanding. She took great joy in supporting her daughter Miki’s research on Japanese War Brides who came to America after World War II, contributing to the documentation of their unique experiences and the cultural legacies of these blended Japanese-American families.
A celebration of Fumi’s remarkable life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor her memory by donating to Hospice of Ashland or performing an act of kindness—something Fumi embodied every day of her life.
The family would like to extend gratitude to the staff of Woodland Oaks and Hospice of Ashland Kentucky for the comfort and care they provided during her final days.
Fumi’s warmth, grace, and boundless love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
“In this life you can choose to look for things that will make you happy or look for things that will make you miserable. I want you to choose happy.” -Fumi Ward, 2025
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