Ruth Ward Dignan, 96, of Malden, died Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, at Beverly Health & Rehab of Malden.

Born Oct. 8, 1908, at Malden, she was a daughter of the late M.C. "Bart" and Matilda Jones Wood.

She married Everett Ward in 1931. He died Dec. 23, 1984. In 1970, she married William A. Dignan who preceded her in death Dec. 24, 1995. She attended the Sunnyvale Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, James "Jay" Ward of Malden, on sister, Vella Greenfield of Flint, Mich., seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by six sisters, Minnie Blade, Delphia Pipkins, Cora Kirby, Effie Berry, Shella Jones and Clella Ballard; and two brothers, John Wood and Earl Wood.

Funeral services are 1 p.m. today, Sunday, Sept. 11, at Bradshaw Funeral Chapel in Malden with the Rev. David Wigger officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at Malden.