Leia Christin Ward

Leia Christin Ward, a cherished soul known for her loving nature and selfless spirit, passed away on May 6, 2025, at the age of 47 in Dothan, Alabama. Born on November 12, 1977, in North Platte, Nebraska, Leia's early years were marked by a vibrant personality and a passion for life that would define her in the years to come.

Leia grew up in a close-knit family and attended Austin High School in Decatur, Alabama, where she was known for her infectious laugh and her ability to make friends with ease. Her caring nature was evident from a young age, and she carried this trait into her adulthood.

In her professional life, Leia found joy in her work in retail, where she was a familiar and friendly face to many. Her colleagues and customers alike were often uplifted by her encouraging words and kind heart. Leia's faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a dedicated member of Southside Baptist Church, where her presence was a source of comfort and inspiration to the congregation.

Despite facing the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis, Leia's resilience and positive outlook never wavered. She found solace in sharing her experiences and became an active speaker at the Arthritis Foundation, where she offered hope and support to others struggling with the condition. Leia's ability to find joy in the midst of pain was a testament to her faith-filled and courageous spirit.

Leia was a woman who beat to her own drum, with a zest for life that was contagious to all who knew her. She was an avid fan of television shows like "The Golden Girls," "The Big Bang Theory," and "NCIS," which brought her great comfort and enjoyment. Her love of the beach was well-known, as were the moments she spent building people up and spreading kindness wherever she went.

Above all, Leia was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She is survived by her loving family: mother, Beth Ross Yates; father, Steve Yates and his wife Catherine; her daughter, Caitlynn Chitwood and her husband William; her son, Logan Ward; as well as her beloved cat, Sully. She joins her brother, Brian Yates, in Heaven.

A celebration of Leia’s life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 12pm at Southside Baptist church with Dr. Jerry Gramstaff. She will be laid to rest in the Dothan City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11am until 12pm. To honor Leia’s bright spirit, the family requests attendees wear her favorite color, purple, or other fun colors and patterns! The family will be accepting flowers but memorial contributions can also be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.