Sherry and Chuck Ward of West Des Moines and Lois and Ray Grinstead of Le Mars announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their children, Melissa Ward and Jeff Grinstead of West Des Moines.

The couple is planning a July 7, 2007, ceremony in Johnston, with the reception to follow at the Echo Valley Country Club in West Des Moines.

Melissa completed four years of college at the University of Iowa and is working on her master's degree.

Jeff completed four years of college at the University of Northern Iowa.