Ward Richard Grosser passed away on March 20, 2026, at his home in Kingston, Oklahoma. He was born in Boston, Mass. on October 29, 1943, and grew up in Richmond, VA and Beverly Hills, Calif. He lived in Roanoke, Va. for many years. Ward was known by family and friends as a hardworking, kind man, willing to help where needed.
Ward’s childhood was spent exploring and fishing with his brother. He had an inquisitive mind. Always inventing and solving problems. He had a love for gaming and often played with his stepchildren and grandchildren at his home. Ward married Rebecca Anstine on December 1,1988. He spent most of his life in the construction industry operating heavy equipment, advancing to a superintendent role and finishing his career as an inspector in the high-power electric industry. Ward and Becky enjoyed spending time together watching the Rangers Baseball team and trying their luck at local casinos in Oklahoma. One of their favorite sayings was “just you and me babe”. A host of local friends visited them often as they spent time on their deck at the lake.
Ward enjoyed his cat, “Sister”, who would go to only him. Ward and Becky traveled often to visit family in Kansas and Nebraska. A special highlight was a trip up the east coast traveling to the grave site of his mother. They also traveled to Washington, D.C. and Hawaii.
He was preceded in death by his father, Christian Ernest Grosser; his mother, Virginia Herr Grosser; his granddaughter, Hermione Beatrice Rose Robinson, his brother, Stephen Grosser; and his stepmother, Dorothy Berry Grosser.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife of 38 years, Rebecca (Anstine) Grosser in Kingston, Okla.; daughters, Randall Hilton Grosser, of Henrico, Va., and Autumn Karen Robinson, of Winston-Salem, N.C.. Grandchildren James Groce Yeats, Christian Jude Jean and Virgil Thomas More Robinson. Step children and their spouses, Robin (Jeff) Shaw of Pleasant Dale, Neb.; Sheldon Stauffer of Kingston, Okla.; Gretchen Stauffer of Beatrice, Neb.; and Kathryn (Rod) Schildt of Pleasant Dale, Neb.. Grandchildren Renae (Josh) Littrell, Jered Shaw, Jake (Britany) Shaw, Cody Stauffer, Abby Stauffer, Nate Stauffer, Kara (Joe) Lacey, Kylie (JR Douty) Schildt, Meghan (Brogan) Casey, and Martin (Jacquelyn) Schildt. Sisters, Joan G. Eagle, of Richmond, Va.; Christine G. (Lou) Williams, of Manteo, N.C., and Deborah A. Clark, of Colorado Springs, Colo. He is also survived by nieces, Laura E. Rebich, and Allison E. Kristel; and a nephew, Christian A. Eagle, all of Richmond. Ward was blessed with 19 step great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at his home at a future date and, also, in Seward, Nebraska.
Arrangements under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service.