Marian Ward

Marian L. Ward, age 90 of Fort Collins, CO, died December 14, 2009. Marian Lorraine Smith was born June 5, 1919 in Fairpoint, SD to Lula and Arthur Smith. She attended grade and High School in Newell, SD and Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls. During WWII, Marian worked for the Navy Department in Washington D.C., where she became lifelong friends with several other women while they were working together in the war effort. In 1943 she returned to South Dakota and married Alfred Ward in 1944. They had three daughters, Kay, Ellen and Alfa. She worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, in Hot Springs and then in Belle Fourche until her retirement in 1979, after which she settled in Spearfish. Marian was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Belle Fourche and later at All Angels Episcopal Church in Spearfish. She belonged to the Northern Hills Chapter of ARC, an organization that advocates for disabled and special needs children and adults. She represented the State ARC on the Governor's Disabilities Council from 1981 until 1986. In addition to her church and civic activities, Marian enjoyed gardening as a hobby. Marian loved sharing her bouquets with friends. Marian is survived by two of her daughters and their husbands, Ellen (and Ron) Ring of Ft. Collins, CO and Kay (and John) Tiff of Sioux Falls, SD; her sister, Coila Robinson of Brandon, SD; one granddaughter, Anita Schauer; and one great-grandson, Isaac Schauer. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Alfa Jean Ward and two brothers, Randall and Earl Smith. A celebration of her life will be held in Spearfish, SD at All Angels Episcopal Church in June. An announcement will be printed later regarding the date and time of the service. Any memorials will be used to purchase an item in Marian's memory for All Angels Episcopal Church. Memorials can be sent to All Angels Episcopal Church, 1044 N. 5th Street, Spearfish, SD 57783.