Virginia M. Ward

On Wednesday, July 6th, 2022, Virginia M. Ward, age 91, shed her earthly ties, seeking to be with her God. Born March 19th, 1931, to Worley E. and Margaret E. Hicks in Chama, New Mexico, where she lived until her marriage on April 20th, 1946, to Albert E. Ward. Soon after they were married, the oil boom hit San Juan County, New Mexico and the family moved to Aztec.

She and Albert raised 4 children, George (Evelyn), Samuel (Betty), Cheryl Shelby (Bobby), and Clyde (Benay).
Virginia's early adult life was filled with raising her children and running the small family farm. Later with the older children married and all "grown up", she went back to school, around the age of 45, earning her LPN degree from San Juan College. After graduating, she worked in the medical service field for many years. In the mid 1980's she and Albert opened "Little Wrangler" daycare center in Aztec. After several years of success, they sold the business.
While enjoying full retirement, working on gardens and the other farm chores, Albert lost his battle with cancer and passed on February 1st, 1991.
A couple of years of traveling and working on the farm was to follow and then in 1994 a much-deserved break in Hawaii for about 6 months, spent with her son Clyde (stationed there with the US Air Force), a time she truly loved.

Back home and "settling down" she continued helping friends and became a Deacon at the local Presbyterian church. She moved to a house in Aztec, spending more time with family and meeting new neighbors. She also met Ross Saiz a co-worker of Albert's who she partnered with on many adventures for almost a decade. She left Aztec in 2015 to live in Santa Fe and then Rio Rancho, NM with her son Clyde. Where she remained with family and friends until her passing.
Virginia is survived by her 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Mom will be remembered as a caregiver and baker of the best chocolate cake EVER! She will be greatly missed by all the family and friends that she loved and supported throughout the years.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Aztec Presbyterian Church, 205 N Church Ave, Aztec, NM 87410. In lieu of flowers please donate to "The Ranches", https://www.theranches.org/invest-in-our-youth/, one of her favorite charities.