Mary Elizabeth Ward died peacefully at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash., Aug. 6, 2016 at the age of 89. She was born Nov. 1, 1926, in Omaha, Neb., to Soren Peter Chistensen and Agnes Matilda (Mueller) Christensen.
Mary graduated from Immanuel Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. She worked as an RN at several hospitals in the Midwest, as well as a school nurse in Madison County, Iowa.
She married Kenneth Ward June 11, 1949 in Omaha, where they lived until the family moved to Truro, Iowa.
Mary enjoyed quilting, puzzles, traveling, canning, gardening and spending time with her eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was active in her church and was a member of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, as well as teaching Sunday school for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Larry and Gordon Christensen.
Mary is survived by her husband of 67 years, Kenneth Ward; four children, Susan (Richard) Cook, James (Debby) Ward, Andrew (Beth) Ward and Dr. Kass (Ben) Roberts.
Her funeral service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Chehalis, Wash., Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., immediately followed by interment at Lone Hill Cemetery in Toledo, Wash., with a reception to follow at Peace Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mary’s name to the Peace Lutheran Church building fund.
