Barb Ward

Barbara Lee Ward was born August 22, 2953, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to parents Gerald and Alice (Oliphant) Frazier. She was a resident of Plano, Texas and passed away in her sleep on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

Barb grew up in Cedar Rapids with her parent, sister Sheryl and brother, Steven.  After high school, she started working at a local electrical company where she met her mentor who encouraged her to continue in the field. She moved to Des Moines in 1976 and started as an estimator at ABC Electric.

In 1980, Barb and her daughters moved to South Florida, where she married Steve Ward and started a new electrical contracting company, AWECO.  Steve and Barb’s first project was a senior living community in Palm Beach County.  They grew the business with other residential and government projects, eventually specializing in high-rise work.  AWECO’s team contributed to building landmarks such as The Polo Club and Gleneagles in Boca Raton, GGG High School in Boynton, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Lantana and L’Hermitage in Fort Lauderdale.  Barb and Steve valued their team members and included many in family events as they each contributed to bettering one another’s lives through their hard work.

Barb was one of the first females to own an Electrical Contracting business in the state of Florida.  She was a proud member of Women in Construction and a trailblazer for other female entrepreneurs.

Barb and Steve were huge Dolphins fans, being season ticket holders at both the Orange Bowl and Joe Robbie Stadium.  They also became big supporters of the Florida Panthers and Miami Heat and eventually NASCAR.  They loved attending sporting events together and with friends and were sure to catch the away games at home on TV.  They also loved the boating-lifestyle that South Florida offered.

Shortly after losing Steve in 2016, Barb moved to North Dallas to be near her grandsons.

She will always be remembered as a joyful, happy woman.  People always enjoyed her laughter and she laughed a lot. She was caring and generous to others, including supporting local community groups, without expectation of recognition.  She celebrated life with nearly everyone she met, giving special attention to her close family and friends.  She may not be dancing with us anymore, but she’s definitely dancing in heaven.

Barb leaves behind her daughters Deana Schade and Corrie Schade-Cabral (Richard); grandsons Richie Cabral, Jesse Cabral (Emma), Max Miller and Cameron Miller; sister Sheryl Stastny (Kimm), nieces Bridget Van Getson, Monica Collins (Steve), Gillian Farsalas (Jim).

There will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m.,Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Allen Family Funeral Options.