Grace (Barnes) Ward

Grace (Barnes) Ward

May 24, 1956 - July 6, 2026

Grace Diane Barnes was born May 24, 1956 in Yuma, Arizona, the second daughter to parents Rev. W. Norris and Jeanne (Gordon) Barnes. After Grace’s mother’s sudden death from polio that same year, Rev. Barnes moved the family to a new Methodist pastorate in La Mesa, California. There he met and married Dorothy Seals. Over the years four more siblings were added to Grace’s family and they moved within California from La Mesa, to Vista, Yorba Linda and then Downey as Rev. Barnes continued his career as a United Methodist pastor.

Grace graduated from Downey High School in 1974. She then obtained a Bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in Music Education & Performance from California State University, in Fullerton. During this time, Grace met the love of her life, Michael Ward, and they were married August 25, 1978. They resided in Downey, and in their leisure time shared a love for classic movies, flying and vacationing on the central California coast. They enjoyed 23 years together but, sadly, Michael died unexpectedly in 2002 and Grace never remarried.

Grace’s career in music education spanned 35 years in the Santa Ana Unified School District, where she brought the joy of singing to students in multiple schools at the elementary and high school levels. Her tireless efforts, cheerful disposition and love of her students was recognized in 2012 with a “Teacher of the Year” award. In addition, while teaching full time, Grace earned her Masters Degree in Music Education from Walden University in 2005.

Outside her teaching role, Grace sang with the Opera Pacific Company, Christmas caroling quartets and provided voice lessons. Grace also brought her talents in music together with her Christian faith by serving as a soloist and music director for the congregation of the Wilshire Presbyterian Church in downtown Los Angeles for over 30 years.

Grace’s mother, Dorothy, passed away in 1989 after a brave battle with cancer. Three years later in 1992, her father married Eunice Web, whom he had known since his youth at Spurgeon Methodist Church in Santa Ana. Eunice became the third loving mother who blessed Grace’s family. Over the ensuing years, Grace and Eunice developed a special bond of companionship and care.

Grace retired from teaching in 2016 and was able to travel more, but she always made time to visit and help family and friends: lending a listening ear, running an errand, providing a ride to the doctor….Grace was there to help.

Grace’s earthly life ended much too soon on July 6, 2026 due to complications from a heart ablation procedure. She is survived by her loving family including siblings: Jeanine Bickett, Clifford Barnes, Maureen Upton, Lorena Barnes and Kathy Stanley; as well as extended family, cousins, nieces nephews and best friends, Curtis and Maureen Byyny.

Grace’s life was filled with music and it brings the family great comfort to know she is singing with the angels in heaven.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Waverly Chapel, Fairhaven Memorial Park,

1702 Fairhaven Ave., Santa Ana, CA

Memorial donations may be made to:

Wilshire Presbyterian Food Pantry

w/checks made to Wilshire Presbyterian Church

300 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90020