Sandra May Ward, 79

Sandra “Sandy” May Ward, 79, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed into the arms of her loving Lord and Savior on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, surrounded by her family. Mom was born Oct. 29, 1938, in Detroit, Mich., to Dorothy Freymann and Donald Berger. She was an only child.

Mom grew up in St. Clair Shores, Mich., and graduated from South Lake High School in 1956. It was there she met and fell in love with her next-door neighbor and childhood sweetheart, George Ward. The two were married on Dec. 14, 1957, the beginning of their unique 60-year love story. After Mom and Dad were married, they moved to Lansing, Mich., and lived in married student housing on the Michigan State campus, where Dad affectionately tells everyone that Mom earned her “PHT” (Putting Hubby Through) degree.

After the birth of their first son, Scott, in 1958, they relocated from the Great Lakes State of Michigan to the Big Sky Country of Dillon, Mont., where their daughter, Kim, was born in 1960. As Dad continued in his forestry career, they next moved to Ennis, Mont., where sons George and David were born in 1961 and 1963. Their youngest son, Ray, was born in Lincoln, Mont., in 1968.

In 1970, they moved to Anaconda, Mont., and then located to Coeur d’Alene in 1974, where they have resided for the past 43 years. After her children reached school-age, Mom returned to the workforce, first as a secretary in the insurance industry in 1975, and then as a secretary at the North Shore Templin’s Resort. She finished her career as a personal banking officer with Bank of America, retiring in 1996.

Mom was a devoted, loving wife and homemaker, always making sure her kids and husband were loved and cared for. Mom had an innate ability to make lifelong friends wherever she went. Her sincere and genuine personality, infectious smile and unconditional love were just some of her greatest traits. Many people throughout the years have affectionately claimed her as their “adopted mother.” She will forever be remembered for big batches of cookies, welcoming an extra guest, or five, at the table and being the family’s biggest cheerleader at all the sporting events and activities.

Mom loved to collect antiques and in retirement had many memorable adventures with Dad, traveling and selling antiques at countless shows. They loved to explore the beautiful states of Montana and Idaho and owned a float house on Lake Pend Oreille for many years. She also enjoyed traveling in retirement and explored many new places with Dad, family and friends. Mom was a long-time member of Christ the King Lutheran Church for 43 years. During this time, Mom served on numerous committees and was an active member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). Her faith and love of the Lord was always evident to all who knew her.

Mom is survived by her husband of 60 years, George Ward; sons, Scott (Sandra) Ward, George (Shelly) Ward, David (Suzan) Ward and Raymond Ward; daughter, Kim (Paul) Marshall; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws; brother-in-law and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, who all love her very much.

Mom, you left a legacy of love, teaching all of us what it truly means to give selflessly and always with a positive spirit. We will miss you with all our hearts but know you are with the Lord and we will see you again someday.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, located at 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to Christ the King Lutheran Church LWML Love Circle, to be designated toward a Mission Project, in remembrance of Sandra Ward.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit Sandy’s memorial and sign her online guestbook www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.