Donna Ward

Donna Mary Rader Ward passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 28, 2015. Donna was born on October 23, 1932, in Brigham City Utah to Leslie William and Ada Delilah Young Rader of Corinne. Donna grew up in Corinne and also spent time in Astoria Oregon and Lakeside Utah while her father was in the Navy. She graduated from Box Elder High School in 1950, and later married her eternal companion, Max Ward on March 23, 1953 in the Logan LDS Temple. Donna devoted her life to her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Donna was well known for her homemaking skills. She made it a priority to teach and pass those skills on to her three daughters. She was an excellent cook and her family would gather at her home every Sunday to enjoy her famous rolls and roast beef.  She took excellent care of her husband, especially in his last days. She was always by his side, making sure he was fed, and had freshly ironed white shirts and crisp jeans to keep him looking nice.  She kept a tidy home, her laundry was pristine, and she spent countless hours binding over 200 quilts for the Belmont 2nd Ward.

Donna spent her life serving in the LDS Church. She served in various callings such as the Relief Society President, was diligent at temple attendance, and spent many years doing name extraction. Donna and Max completed a service mission to the Bishop’s Storehouse in 2003. Donna had a strong testimony and made sure she shared that with her family often. She was a perfect example of the phrase “endure to the end”. She was committed to visiting teaching up until her last week of life and made sure she knelt to pray even in her very last days when she could barely walk.

Donna’s biggest hobby was her grandchildren. She supported each one of them, loved them unconditionally, and made sure they all knew just how special they are. She was always aware of other’s feelings. She never wanted any of her grandchildren to feel left out, especially at birthday parties. Donna was very gracious, she lived a simple life, and never wanted or asked for much. She would willingly go without so her family didn’t have to.

Donna is survived by her two daughters; Sherry (Billy) Rhodes, Fielding; Patti (Kelly) Walker, Honeyville; and son-in-law David Earl, Beaver Dam; her sister Leone Higgins; 12 grandchildren, Jared (Becky) Rhodes, TJ (Tiffany) Rhodes, Cody (Tara) Rhodes, Jenny (Wes) Firth, Jody (Jason) Grover, Casey (Kristan) Earl, Clay (KaeDawn) Earl, Todd (Megan) Walker, Kaylee (Jason) Cook, Kimberly Walker, Kami (Joe) Walker, Ty (Valerie) Walker, and 25 great grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband; Max Ward, her daughter; Joni Earl, her brother; William Rader, her parents; Les and Lila Rader.

Funeral Services for Donna will be held on Monday, November 2, 2015 11:00 AM at the Belmont 2nd Ward LDS Chapel (16925 N 5200 W, Riverside, UT) with a viewing held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30. There will also be a viewing held on Sunday November 1, 2015 from 6-8 PM at the Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home (111 N 100 E, Tremonton, UT) Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery.