Ida Ward Linton, 88 CRISFIELD - Ida Ward Linton, 88, of Crisfield, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home. Born in Crisfield, June 23, 1921, she was the daughter and niece of the late famed wildfowl carvers Lem and Steve Ward and the daughter of Thelma Coulbourne Ward. Lem said of Ida, "She was the best daughter God had given man." Mom was a caretaker most of her life. A single mother of two boys, she shared her years with her parents and uncle and praised how fortunate she was to have grown up with such a gifted family, and she was very proud of the legacy they left her. Mom was also gifted herself as a talented singer, cook and author. She wrote a book entitled "The Story of Lem Ward". She loved reading her romance novels and poetry. Mom's greatest love was being a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church Choir, where she sang her praise for the Lord for over 60 years. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends, and she cherished the laughter and memories that filled her home, especially at the kitchen table. She is survived by her son, Thomas Linton and his wife Charlene of Crisfield; five grandchildren, David Linton of Crisfield, Laura Howard and her husband Jeff of Westover, Wendy Kellam and her husband Brian of Salisbury, and Lance Linton and Morgan Linton, both of Lincoln, Delaware; four great-grandchildren, Amber Linton, Jesse Howard, Lauren Kellam and Ty Kellam; two dear friends, Edwin Riggin of Crisfield and Steve Graham, whom she affectionately called her "third son", of Pennsylvania. Along with her parents and uncle, she was preceded in death by a son, Travis Ward Linton; and a great-granddaughter, Tiffany Howard. Funeral services were held Friday, June 4, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield where friends may call one hour prior. The Rev. Stephen Willing will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be sent to Asbury United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o P.O. Box 206, Crisfield, MD 21817; or to the Tiffany Howard Memorial Scholarship Fund, 6605 Old Westover-Marion Road, Westover, MD 21871. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.