Obituary for Juanita Grace Ward Leird

Juanita Grace Ward Leird, 97, of Oklahoma City, passed away on September 17, 2026 peacefully surrounded by family. Juanita was born on October 5, 1928, in Kinta, Oklahoma, to E.A. and Sarah Lovie Ward. She grew up in a close and loving family with one brother and six sisters, whose lifelong devotion to one another shaped her deeply.

After graduating from Kinta High School, Juanita spent time in California before settling in Oklahoma City, where she lived the rest of her life. In 1946, she married Kenneth Norman Leird, beginning a loving relationship that lasted 43 years until his death. Together they raised two children.

Juanita is survived by her children, Pamela Jo Parker, and husband Tom, and Rodney Kent Leird.

She is also survived by five grandchildren: Traci Romines (husband, Robert), Shani Roberts, Jay Leird (wife, Jessica), Brooke Leird (husband, Manny Gonzales), and Corey Leird (wife, Racheal).

Her legacy continues through nine great-grandchildren: Chase Roberts, Ashton Romines Henry (husband, Reece), Abbie Bratcher (husband, Jonathan), Avery Romines, Mayley Leird, Norman Leird, Mabel Leird, Walter Leird, and Mayes Leird.

Juanita was blessed with two great-great grandchildren, Clinton Bratcher and Leo Roberts.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother and six sisters, along with four grandchildren, Stasha Parker, Andrea Leird and twin boys.

Juanita worked 33 years at Western Electric, forming friendships that lasted decades. After retiring, she embraced her passion for travel, visiting more than 60 countries. She generously included family in her travels, which created many treasured memories. She was an avid Bridge player, enjoying the challenge and the many friendships she made.

She was a devoted member of Southern Hills Baptist Church for 51 years.

Proverbs 31:28–29: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Trinity Hospice and Village on the Park for their exceptional care and compassion.