Elaine Andersen Ward

Elaine Andersen Ward, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend passed away on November 19, 2015.
Elaine was born on October 31, 1951 in Logan, UT to Elwin Hansen and Ina Jean Hall Andersen. Elaine lived most of her life in Richmond, UT. She grew up working on the family farm. She loved cooking and sewing. She graduated from Sky View High School and went on to Utah State University. Elaine married Steve Ward for time and eternity in the LDS temple on July 30, 1971.
Elaine has held many church callings over the years and loved to sing in the ward choir. Elaine loved gardening. Her favorite thing to grow was tomatoes. She has grown tomato plants almost 14 feet tall. She also loved growing flowers. If you have ever taken a walk up to Richmond's cemetery you probably passed by Elaine's flower garden. She called it her “Peace Garden”. That was an enjoyable project that she did with her family. One of her favorite things was having her grandchildren and great grandchildren come to her house. She enjoyed going on long drives to look at the scenery and animals. She also loved to watch the deer in the winter and the hummingbirds in the summer from her living room window.
Elaine has a special place in her heart for the American Legion Auxiliary; following in her mother’s footsteps. She has held many positions both at the local and state level. She loved working in Black & White days Hamburger stand. She looked forward to it year round. She worked hard each year to send girls to “Girls State”.
For the last eleven years Elaine has been the Vice President and Operating Manager of Operation Give. She has facilitated sending Christmas Stockings each year to our troops overseas. She has also shipped dozens of 40 ft. containers filled with humanitarian supplies to many countries in need. In 2007, Elaine received the “Best of State” award in the humanitarian category.
She is survived by her husband Steve Elwood Ward, her four children Tara (Raymond) Larsen, Jason (Samantha) Ward, Tawna Ward, and Alisa (Matthew) Keene; 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and her sister MarJean (Preston) Watts. She is preceded in death by her parents Elwin and Ina Andersen, and a sister Linda Rae Andersen.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening, November 24th from 6-8PM and on Wednesday, November 25th from 10:30 – 11:30AM at the Richmond Stake Center (135 West Main Street; Richmond, UT). The funeral will follow at noon; burial will be in the Richmond Cemetery. The family would like to thank the Richmond 3rd Ward, Cherry Creek Ward, family, friends, and neighbors for all the love and support. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net