Mary Ann Ward, 77
Ward
Mary Ann Ward, 77, a beloved wife and stepmother, passed away Dec. 22, 2024. She was the youngest of three siblings born to her late parents, Vernon and Margaret (Mayer) Milholland.
Mary was born Aug. 26, 1947, in Vancouver, Wash., and spent her early childhood in Battle Ground, Wash., and Smelterville, Idaho. At age 5, she moved with her family to a farm in Valleyford, Wash., before settling in Greenacres, Wash. Mary graduated from Central Valley High School in 1965 and began her career as a teller at Old National Bank.
After meeting Bob Ward, the two moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where they married May 13, 1972. Mary worked for the Alaska Department of Welfare, and during their eight years in Alaska, she and Bob embraced the rugged wilderness, enjoying kayaking, boating, hiking and both cross-country and downhill skiing. One of their most memorable adventures was hiking the historic Chilkoot Pass.
In 1980, Mary and Bob relocated to Otis Orchards, Wash., where Mary worked for a utility equipment company. Demonstrating her determination, she earned a degree in business from Eastern Washington University in 1993. For the past 31 years, Mary and Bob have called Dalton Gardens, Idaho, their forever home.
Mary found joy in gardening and yardwork, creating beautiful outdoor spaces that reflected her care and creativity. Later in life, she discovered her passion for quilting, crafting stunning handmade quilts that she lovingly gifted to friends and family. Mary also had a special connection with animals, particularly dogs. She always had multiple canine companions and was a familiar face at the McCall Dog Park.
Mary is survived by her brother, Robert Milholland; her sister, Virginia (Milholland) Hunter; her stepdaughter, Stacy Lynn Hawley; her stepson, Brian Ward; and several cherished nieces and nephews: William Martin, Kimberly (Martin) Bennett, Eric Milholland, Paulet (Milholland) Kelley, Jason Martin and Lanny Milholland.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages donations to:
1. Companions Animal Center (formerly Kootenai Humane Society), www.companionsanimalcenter.org.
2. Hospice of North Idaho, www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org.
A memorial service will be held for Mary at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. Please visit Mary's online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.