Obituary of Evelyn L. Ward

Evelyn L. Ward, 102, of Greeley passed away March 2, 2023 in Greeley.  Evelyn was born on February 17, 1921 in Denver, Colorado to Martinus and Nellie (Edson) Olson.  She attended school in Amhurst, CO and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1938.  She went on to receive her Bachelors degree in Home Economics from Colorado State University in 1942.  She later completed her education at the University of Northern Colorado with a Masters degree in Food Science and Nutrition.  Evelyn married Harold Jessen in 1944 and he passed away in 1948.  She married Leslie Ward on July 15, 1950 in Greeley. 

Her first job was as a Home Economics teacher in Haxtun.  Evelyn later worked for Weld County Department of Social Services as a Case worker from 1970-1983. In later years, Evelyn started a scholarship for deserving students at CSU.   She was very active with several organizations in the area.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a member of the United Methodist Women’s Group and was a Sunday School Teacher.  She was a 4-H Leader, served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and she received an award for achieving 15,000 hours of volunteer work for RSVP Volunteers in Service.  She also made over 100 quilts for people impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

She is survived by her children, Marlene Waltz and husband James of Evergreen, CO, Greg Ward and wife Karen of Greeley, CO, and Nancy Knight and husband Keith of Evergreen, CO; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her first husband Harold Jessen, her second husband Leslie Ward, her brother Donald Olson, and her grandson Kyle Ward.  Evelyn had many accomplishments throughout her life.  Besides being involved in her community and church she most enjoyed spending time with her family. She leaves a legacy of love, compassion and devotion for her children and grandchildren.

A Life Celebration will be held at 10:00a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023 at First United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, MDA.org.