Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Patricia Ann Ward passed away at home in White Salmon on Jan. 24, 2018, at the age of 85. She was born in New York City, New York on June 26, 1932, to Edgar and Ailene Lawrence.
Patty grew up in Aberdeen, living with her immigrant Finnish grandparents, Matt and Julia Kangas. This was during the depression and WWII years. After high school graduation in 1950, she enrolled at the University of Washington, earning degrees in fine arts and education.
She and husband, Bill, were married in 1953. They lived in many Washington communities including Seattle, Colville, Glenwood, Klickitat, LaConner, White Salmon and out of state locations while Bill served in the Air Force.
Their children all live in Washington state: Julee and husband Jerry Hutchins in Vancouver; Teresa Monahan in White Salmon, and Michael and wife Theresa in Redmond. Son Bill Ward, Jr. passed in 2015. The couple enjoyed watching their 12 grand and four great-grandkids growing up.
Patty participated in a number of fraternal and service organizations. She especially enjoyed her church family at the White Salmon United Methodist Church.
“Mrs. Ward” was a primary teacher in Klickitat and White Salmon and she also worked as a special education aide and district substitute. She guided her students towards attaining the basic skills in core areas, practicing good citizenship and encouraged lots of creativity in work and play. She especially enjoyed meeting former students as successful, contributing adults.
She, Bill and family spent many days camping, hiking, and skiing in the mountains; boating on the Columbia River and the American and Canadian San Juan Islands and exploring our state and national parks on trailer vacations.
She also enjoyed watercolor painting, gardening, community service and trying to keep up with current events.
Patty requests cremation with no service. There will be a family memorial weekend at a later date.
Remembrances in her name may be given to the new White Salmon Swimming Pool project.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.