Patty Mardean Johnson Ward

Patty Mardean Johnson Ward Providence- Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother passed away and returned home to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 25, 2015, surrounded by loving family on both sides of the veil. Patty was born September 6, 1942 in Huntington, Utah, the second child of Jennie Evadean and Marx Lewellyn Johnson. She had fond memories of growing up in the Coos Bay, Oregon area, and later moved to California, where she graduated from Analy Union High School in Sebastopol. Patty shared in the responsibility of raising seven younger brothers and sisters, whom she loved dearly. She enjoyed getting together with her little sisters every year and loved attending the Johnson family reunions. She also had great admiration for her brothers, who were always willing to help in her times of need. After high school, Patty moved to San Jose, California to attend San Jose State University. While attending, she met and married Edwin Claude Ward. Together they had five children, and moved around the country due to Edwin's naval military service. Each move came as a great sacrifice to her and the children, but they were proud to support their country. The family settled in San Diego, California before Patty and Edwin divorced. Patty and the children then moved to Elmo, Utah, in order for her to continue her education at the College of Eastern Utah. She later received her Associate's degree in General Studies from Utah State University, with an emphasis in Elementary Education. As a single mother, she experienced many hardships in raising five children alone. Her children feel a deep sense of gratitude toward her for the many sacrifices she made. Although it was extremely difficult, she made sure that they were both spiritually and temporally cared for. Patty was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in many callings, including cub scout leader, primary teacher, and visiting teacher. She had a strong testimony of the Savior and His atonement, which she often shared with her children with much conviction. Patty loved scrapbooking, sewing, knitting and doing crafts of all kinds. She was an avid gardener, and enjoyed nurturing her numerous houseplants. She appreciated being able to be involved in politics and civic affairs through the miracle of technology. She always looked forward to a visit from one of her grandchildren. At the time of her passing, Patty resided at Providence Place, a senior living center. She was fiercely independent, even as her health continued to decline. While living there, she made many friends and had a good quality of life. Her family is appreciative to the residents of Providence Place for their love and friendship. Mom, you were a great champion to us and we will miss you! Patty was preceded in death by her parents, her older sister, Sterline Ann Johnson, and her son, Timothy Edwin Ward. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Mardean (John) Bruins of Smithfield, Utah; daughter, Claudia Ann Stone of Hyrum, Utah; son, David Charles (Greta) Ward of Logan, Utah; son, Joshua Ferris (Julie) Ward of Nibley, Utah; her seven younger siblings, 22 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2015, at the Cobblestone 1st Ward building, 420 W 100 N in Providence. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, an account to assist with funeral expenses has been set up at Zion's Bank under the name Patty Ward.