Kathleen Ward
August 13, 1957 – June 27, 2024

Kathleen Ward was born on August 13, 1957 in Burley, Idaho to Gale Robert Ward and Lucille Jensen Ward Pattan.

Kathleen was happy and a joy to be around, she was loved by all those she met. It was hard not to love her giggle, she gave out smiles frequently. She was always an early riser, up at 5:30am and then early to bed. If she was visiting for dinner or just to visit, we all knew when she was ready to go home and go to bed. She would have her shoes and coat on, her stuffed animal on her shoulder and wait by the door. It was a subtle sign to show that she was ready to go home.

Kathleen loved spending time with family. Her cousins had farms in the Burley/Paul area; Kathleen loved visiting them and just being with them. On the farm, everyone had a ‘farm name’ which was given by one of her cousins or the workers. The names usually stuck as they were a fun way to show love and admiration for each other. Kathleen’s farm name was Edith. For many years, if the phone rang and someone asked for Edith, she knew exactly who was calling. For those who she allowed to call her Edith, it was a joy to watch her eyes light up as she could feel the love from those who cared for her. To be one of the ones who she allowed to call her Edith, it was very endearing. She would even answer to Edith if it was said in different languages as many of her family spoke more than English.

Kathleen loved to travel, she was always up for a short road trip, every once in a while, she would venture outside of the state. She loved traveling with those whom she loved, always joyful.

Edith came from two families that were very musically talented; she absorbed all of the music she could when the family was together, playing instruments and singing together. She loved to watch her cousins Lynn and Randy sing in The Choir at Temple Square, not thinking twice when an invite was extended to go listen to them in the Conference Center in Salt Lake.

In Kathleen’s early years, she worked at Deseret Industries. She spread happiness for 23 years, earning the, “You Make the Difference” award which she was proud

of. She loved working there, learned many life skills and loved those she came in contact with.

As Kathleen aged, she was able to attend Center Counseling Adult Daycare and loved being with Sally Holmes who is a dear friend of the family. She later attended Journeys. She loved making new friends, visiting new places and the crafts. Kathleen loved her diamond painting, often gifting them to close family and friends. To receive one of these works of art was somewhat prestigious in the family, not everyone got one.

Boy did she love Elvis Presley; she had numerous dolls, posters, tapes, and memorabilia of Elvis. When an Elvis song came on, it was time for everyone else to quiet down a bit so she could enjoy the music. She wasn’t shy about letting others know that her Elvis was on and that he needed to be listened to.

We as nieces and nephews always knew when Kathleen was in the stands cheering for us when we played sports as kids. It was always refreshing to hear her, “Come on guys, beat ‘em!” The tone which she used, we all knew that she was serious. We all knew that if we won or lost, she still loved us and was there for us. Kathleen rarely missed a game or concert. These are cherished memories that we will carry throughout our lives. We love our aunt so much and miss her terribly already. She was always there to lend an opinion to her nieces and nephews if we were out of line, kindly but directly letting us know what we should be doing instead.

Kathleen loved family gatherings. Many of the dishes that were made were with Kathleen in mind; she didn’t like hot or spicy foods but loved salads and dessert. Her brothers would usually treat her to Red Lobster for her birthday, she enjoyed the seafood dishes they served, and she especially loved the special attention she received from her brothers. Her smile was always contagious, especially when we were celebrating her.

Kathleen always had her stuffed animal on her shoulder; they were friends to her, offering comfort when needed. She’d let someone else hold her stuffed animal friends on occasion, just not for very long. On occasion she’d talk to her shoulder

friend, speaking lovingly and showing the care that she exhibited to all around her.

On August 13, 2013, Edith was able to go through the Idaho Falls Temple for the first time. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, she held callings and helped where she was able to.

Her second set of parents were Doug and Vicky Leslie, as caregivers for many years, they were so good to her. They always took great care of her and had her best interests in mind when helping her. Kathleen also loved their kids and grandkids, loving time together with them as well. Doug and Vicky took care of Kathleen for 12 years; they are revered for their kindness and patience with Kathleen.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and Brent, her brother.

Kathleen returned home to heaven on June, 27, 2024 surrounded by those who cared for her. She’s survived by two brothers, Mike Ward and Ron (Malinda) Ward. Nephews and Nieces, Ben (Kathleen) Ward, Jeremy Ward, Shane (Aly) Ward, Heidi (Tyler) Hill. She’s also survived by great nephews and nieces who loved to visit with her and tell her jokes to make her laugh.

Edith will be missed. She carried an unmistakable light for all to see. She was joyful and happy, relishing the quality time with her family and friends. We all have no doubt that she’s having a great reunion with her parents and other family members that have gone before her.

Funeral Services will be held Friday July 12th at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing prior to service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Ammon Park Ward, 1440 Lakeview Drive, Pocatello. Burial will follow at the Restlawn Cemetery.