Lisa Ann Ward

Lisa Ann Ward, 64, of McAlester, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Lisa was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, and a proud full-blood Choctaw woman. She was known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. Helping others was simply a part of who Lisa was, she gave her time and love generously to the people and community around her.

Lisa was deeply involved in the Choctaw Nation community. She took great pride in her Choctaw heritage. She volunteered every Wednesday helping deliver senior meals and was always willing to lend a hand at fundraisers and events held at the Choctaw community center. She was a familiar and caring presence in her community and her dedication to helping others touched many lives.

Lisa was a retired Choctaw Nation Dental Assistant Supervisor in Talihina, Oklahoma. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to serving others and was proud of the work she did for Choctaw Nation.

Outside of her work and community involvement, Lisa found joy in the simple things in life. She loved taking long walks, spending time in nature, cheering on OU Sooners, attending pow wows, reminiscing about her old softball days and competing in Choctaw senior volleyball. She especially treasured the time she spent with her friends, making memories, taking trips, and enjoying the friendships she held so dearly. Purple was her favorite color and those who knew her will forever associate it with her.

Above all else, Lisa loved her family wholeheartedly. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment she was able to spend with them. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, kindness, service, family, and pride in her Choctaw heritage.

Lisa is survived by her son Shaun Smith, daughter Mikael Lynn Ham and husband Josh Ham, grandchildren Owen Smith, Ryen Ham, Garrett Wilson, Marley Smith, Layla Smith, Alick Ham and Cascha Gonzalez, great-grandchildren Crawford Ham-Acquistapace and Kairo Gonzalez, special sister Teresa Cook-Walker. She also leaves behind countless friends, extended family members, and community members whose lives were made better by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her father Luther Ward, mother Agnes Ward, brothers Harold Steve Ward and Clendon Earl Ward, daughter-in-law Amanda Talmich.

Lisa’s life was one of giving, loving, serving, and bringing people together. Her kindness will live on in the family she loved so deeply, the Choctaw community she proudly served, and the many people whose lives she touched along the way. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The family will welcome friends for visitation on Thursday, September 24, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester. Funeral services are set for Friday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel.

Dinner following after service at McAlester Choctaw community center, all are welcome.