Our loving matriarch, Edna Mae Ward, 90, of Spearfish, passed away at Edgewood Vista Senior Living surrounded by family on June 29, 2014. She was born January 24, 1924, in her family's homestead home near Hulett, Crook County, Wyoming, and was the daughter of Lon C. and Ina (Eaton) Russell.

Mom was our "pioneer" and attended a one room country schoolhouse located on land donated by her grandfather, George Russell, and often talked about the inconvenience of living in the home closest to the school, as theirs became the boarding house to the school teacher. Her first year of school, she rode her Shetland pony, Tiddley Winks, approximately one and one half miles to and from, weather permitting. She spent much of her time riding horses and exploring the open country she was surrounded by.

She graduated from Hulett High School in 1941 and then attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, S.D. She received a one year teaching certificate and got a job teaching at Bitter Springs School near Sundance, Wyoming. She resigned her position in November of 1942 to marry John G. Ward from Spearfish, whom she had met while at college. They ran a successful dairy operation north of Spearfish for most of their married life, and their hard work and integrity were a wonderful example to their five children, who survive her; Beverly (Bill) Buchholz, Frank (Charlotte) Ward of Spearfish, Penni (Steve) Parker of Elk River, MN, Dorothy Ward Houston, of American Fork, UT, and Clark (Nancy) Ward of Philipsburg, MT; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Mom and Dad were able to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary in November, 1992. He passed away in May, 1993. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Bill Russell, grandson, Brian Buchholz, and great grandsons, infant boys, Isaac and Noble Buchholz.

Mom truly enjoyed her family and her life, and was active in many organizations, including All Angels Episcopal Church, Lower Valley Community club and PEO Sisterhood Chapter BW. She also served on the Lawrence County Planning and Zoning Board for many years. The Butte/Lawrence County Fair was an annual priority. She loved country life and wasn't afraid of hard work, always helping in the milk barn, raising calves, planting and harvesting a large garden every year, supporting her children in their activities and traditionally serving delicious homemade meals three times a day.

Mom was able to stay in her home north of Spearfish until November of 2011, when she graciously "bended" to her children's wishes and moved into the Edgewood Vista Assisted Living Center. She found herself to be quite content, realizing she had many friends living there to get reacquainted with, and did not ever ask to go "back home".

We, the family, wish to thank Edgewood Vista and their outstanding caring staff; a special thanks to family friend Wes Thompson and to those who remained in contact with her during her stay at Edgewood Vista.

Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral services will be held on 10:30 A.M. on Monday, July 7, 2014 at All Angels Episcopal Church in Spearfish. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. A memorial has been established to All Angels Episcopal Church.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.