Helen Aliene Smith Ward passed away in Hermiston on Aug. 12, 2024 at the age of 93.
She was born on Jan. 2, 1931 in Checotah, Okla. to Ivan Vance and Myrtle Rose Fletcher Smith. She was one of six children.
Helen worked various jobs as a waitress and cook but was mostly a homemaker. She married Cleatus (Dink) Ward on Sept. 7, 1948 in Fayetteville, Ark. at the First Christian Church. In July 1949 they welcomed their first child, Sharon, and in October 1953 their son, Michael. They raised their family in Watsonville, Calif. and moved to Hermiston in the early ‘80s.
Helen enjoyed crocheting, reading, cooking/baking, attending church, Bible studies and spending time with her family. Bingo and farkle were always her favorite games. Helen and Dink spent a lot of time traveling around the U.S., remembering their favorite restaurants along the way. She was very proud of the fact that she was valedictorian of her eighth-grade class.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Dennis) Mock; her son, Michael (Linda) Ward; grandchildren, Jeanne (Stephen) Steffey, Lori (Joe) Davis, Eric Ward and Todd (Nikki) Ward; great-grandchildren, Braden, Olivia, Jarett, Samantha, Taylor, Peyton, Roman, Gracie, Mia and Maverick; great-great granddaughters, Oakley and Embyr; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleatus (Dink); both parents; and all five of her siblings.
She will be remembered for her hugs, her family meals and all her egg plates! We all knew how much she loved us!
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please share memories of Helen with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
