Mary Lou Ward

MARY LOU SIMPSON WARD, our beloved Mother passed peacefully on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at the age of 86 from Alzheimer's. She was born June 12, 1926, the youngest of seven children, to William and Maxine Simpson in Blackfoot, Idaho. Mary Lou graduated from Pocatello High School in Idaho and performed and taught dance for many years. She married Ken Ward from Eagle, Idaho in 1950.Their first daughter Connie was born in Boise, Idaho and their other two daughters Sandi and Debby were born in Roseburg, Oregon. Mary centered her whole life around her family and friends. She was a stay at home Mom, sewed beautifully, loved to create crafts and spent many hours in her garden. She enjoyed volunteering in her girl's elementary classrooms, PTA, Salvation Army, Humane Society and the Roseburg Women of the Moose. Mary is survived by daughters Connie Knapp (Turp) of Umpqua, Oregon, Sandi Ruchaber (Gary) of Portland, Oregon and Deb Burks (Curt) of Camano Island, Washington; grandchildren Brent Knapp (Melissa) of Winchester, Oregon, Michelle Ruchaber Werth (Alex), Brad Ruchaber (Kirsten) all of Portland, Oregon and Tyler Burks of Bakersfield, California; great grandchildren Lydia, Tristan, Audrey, Caleb, Kylie, Dylan, Taylor, Cameron and Austin; a sister Mildred Hubbard of Colorado Springs, Colorado; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Eldon and Verna Ward of Boise, Idaho; numerous nieces and nephews. The last months of Mary's life, she was lovingly cared for by Karen Souza, Antonina Disney and family and Amedisys Hospice. A private family service was held within the grounds of Roseburg Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Mary's Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers you may make contributions to the Alzheimer's Association Oregon Chapter or to Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center.