Arnold, Keitha Nadine (Ward)

Keitha Nadine (Ward) Arnold, 86, passed away at her home in Midway, Iowa, on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at First Church of the Nazarene, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Tim Carter and Dr. Forrest Whitlatch. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. today at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point. Burial: Dunkard Cemetery, Midway, Iowa.

 Keitha was born on June 4, 1923, to her parents, Elmer Ray and Merna (Brown) Ward of Center Point. She attended the Center Point school system and graduated from high school in 1941. Keitha and Madison were married on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1946. Keitha worked for over 30 years at the Linn County Nurseries in Center Point.

Keitha was a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Cedar Rapids for over 60 years. She loved and taught children. She was a committed Christian whose prayers and example will be greatly missed. Keitha had a special ministry of encouragement through the sending of cards and letters to hundreds of people over many years.

Keitha was a devoted wife to Madison, wonderful mother to her three boys, a loving grandmother to her five grandchildren and an extremely proud great-grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Madison; and three sons, Dr. David Ray Arnold of Mount Vernon, Ohio, the Rev. Daniel Madison (Evie) Arnold of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Douglas Paul (Lori) Arnold of Center Point, Iowa. She is also survived by one sister, Shirley (Jim) Heath of Alburnett, Iowa; brother, Earl (Shirley) Ward of Center Point; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Keitha was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Grace; and two brothers, Robert L. Ward and Merle B. Ward.

Memorials may be directed in Keitha's memory to the First Church of the Nazarene, 3113 First Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Please sign the online guest book for Keitha at www.murdochfuneral

home.com under obituaries.