Myrna Leone Sims Ward

Myrna Leone Sims Ward, 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 14, 2016 in Logan, Utah. She was born on March 3, 1931 in Mantua, Utah, to John Archable “Arch” and Laura Leone “Leone” Sims. The oldest of four children, she enjoyed her childhood in Mantua and spending summers with her grandparents in Garden City, Utah. She was very fond of her parents and treasured the love and example they shared with her.
Myrna excelled in academics at Box Elder High School and Weber State College, where she participated in many social clubs and activities and played the clarinet on a music scholarship. She met her sweetheart, Gordon Thurman Ward, at Weber State as they sat first and second chair in the band, and fell in love with him and his sparkly green eyes. They were married on June 15, 1951 in the Logan, Utah Temple, and had seven children together: Darrell, Wendy, Jeffrey, Melanie, Kathleen, Sheila, and Laura. Myrna was a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and homemaker. Her talents varied from dancing, singing, sewing, crocheting, cooking, cake decorating, photography, writing poetry, journaling, genealogy, and organizational skills. They lived primarily in Utah, but lived in California for twenty years while Gordon pursued a career in space aviation. During that time, they traveled to Florida four times to help with rocket launches.
Myrna loved to travel. She packed the car or camper neatly and efficiently, brought her turquoise thermos, put on her sunglasses, and away they went across the country to many national parks and various points of interest, veering off to see waterfalls or snap a picture of a rose, a wave, an autumn leaf, or a snow-covered river, whether there was parking available or not. They went to Hawaii four times, bringing with them shirts and dresses Myrna sewed herself, and coming home with chocolate-covered macadamia nuts and floral leis to share with their children.
Myrna loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. She had a strong testimony and loved to share the gospel with anyone who would listen. She and Gordon served in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission, and Myrna was constantly being a missionary wherever she went. Her compassion and friendship extended far beyond the walls of her home. Myrna was of pioneer heritage, and a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings; some of her favorites included chorister and choir director, teacher, and stake spiritual living leader. She was a faithful visiting teacher, and served in the temple regularly. Myrna endured many difficult trials, but remained true and faithful until the very end.
She was loved deeply and will be greatly missed. Going home will never be the same without her warm welcome and waving goodbye. Shortly before her passing, she mentioned that she was ready whenever it was God’s timing, and wanted to be where she was needed most. We have no doubt that she was welcomed with open arms by loved ones on the other side of the veil, and that while she misses us, she is joyous and free from pain and earthly sorrow.
The family would like to extend their thanks for the love and compassion she received in her final days while in the capable hands of those at Logan Regional Hospital and Sunshine Terrace, as well as the generous service provided by her neighbors and friends. She is survived by her husband, Gordon Ward, her son, Darrell Ward, her daughter, Wendy Mullens (John), her daughter, Melanie Crandall (Don), her daughter, Kathy Richins (Kim), her daughter, Sheila Raymond (Jeff), her daughter, Laura Toone (Jon), her fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, her sister, Verda Nelson (Leland), and brother, Steven Sims. She was preceded in death by her sons, Jeff Ward and Baby William, her parents, Arch and Leone Sims, and her brother, Wayne Sims.
A viewing will be held on Friday, November 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, November 19 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a funeral following Saturday at 11:00 a.m., all of which will take place at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan, Utah. Burial will take place in Garden City, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net . Until we meet again, Mom. We love you.