Holly Clyde Ward

Funeral services for Holly Clyde Ward, 86, of Ramona, OK, were held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Caney Valley High School Gymnasium in Ramona, OK. Pastor Brian Myers officiated. Casket bearers were Bryan Gardner, Cyle Miller, Justin Long, Johnny Hollowell, Donnie Scott and Martin Oyola. Honorary Casket bearers were Keifer Workman, Shane Hand, Bennie Whitworth, and Rob Mathews.

Holly was born December 18, 1939, in Tulsa, OK, to Roman Edward “Cody” Ward, Sr. and Rose Lillian “Jackie” (Holly) Ward. He passed away January 30, 2026, in Bartlesville, OK.

Holly grew up in rural Ramona and graduated with the class of 1958 from Ramona High School. He attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, and later Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. Holly joined the US Marine Corps reserves while in college. After graduation from OBU, Holly moved to Missouri in 1963, where he served as a coach of various sports and held administrative roles at multiple schools for several years. In early 1966, Holly was honorably discharged from the Marines. He married Doris A. Lilly in Chadwick, MO on November 5, 1966. They remained married for 59 years until his passing. In 1971, Holly and Doris purchased the local grocery store in Ramona, renaming to Holly’s Food Market and moved back to his hometown. They welcomed their first child, Natalie, while running the grocery store. Their second child, Ryan, was born shortly after they sold the store. For several years, Holly worked various jobs, including a rural route mail carrier, construction work ranging from framing to masonry, and referee. Holly was a devoted to his faith and attended First Baptist Church in Ochelata. He also attended Northeastern State University and eventually completed his Masters’s degree in Education. In the fall of 1982, Holly agreed to become the High School Principal at Caney Valley Public Schools in Ramona. Throughout his years at Caney Valley, Holly did whatever was needed to keep things moving and to ensure the students were cared for. He remained at Caney Valley as a basketball and softball coach, as well as being the athletic director until his retirement in 2005. Upon his retirement, the superintendent and school board honored him by naming the gym after him. After retiring from Caney Vally, Holly remained active in the community for many years. He was the sexton and caretaker of the Ramona Cemetery, mowed several lawns in and around town, and announced basketball games for several more years.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Ward, of the home; daughter, Natalie Oyola and husband, Martin of Ramona; son, Ryan Ward and wife, Cynthia of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Justin Long, Amanda Cannon, Virginia Watkins and husband, Gregory, all of Memphis, TN, and Esa Oyola of Ramona; brother, Terry Ward; sister, Sue Lillie and husband, Joe of Ramona; brother-in-law, Joe Lilly and wife, Garolyn of Sparta, MO; sister-in-law, Sidney Lilly of Springfield, MO; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roman Sr., and Rose Ward; brothers, Roman E. Ward, Jr., and Michael C. Ward; two nieces; two nephews; and several other cousins, along with several other in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a memorial donation in Holly’s memory to The Journey Home, 900 Washington Blvd, Bartlesville, OK 74006.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.